Process for preparing antiviral compounds

ABSTRACT

This disclosure is directed to: (a) processes for preparing a compound and salts thereof that, inter alia, are useful for inhibiting hepatitis C virus (HCV); (b) intermediates useful for the preparation of the compound and salts; (c) pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound or salts; and (d) methods of use of such compositions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/444,475 filed Feb. 18, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/365,293 filed Jul. 16, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is directed to: (a) processes for preparing a compound and salts thereof that, inter alia, are useful for inhibiting hepatitis C virus (HCV); (b) intermediates useful for the preparation of the compound and salts; (c) pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound or salts; and (d) methods of use of such compositions.

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne, infectious, viral disease that is caused by a hepatotropic virus called HCV. At least six different HCV genotypes (with several subtypes within each genotype) are known to date. In North America, HCV genotype 1a predominates, followed by HCV genotypes 1b, 2a, 2b, and 3a. In the United States, HCV genotypes 1, 2, and 3 are the most common, with about 80% of the hepatitis C patients having HCV genotype 1. In Europe, HCV genotype 1b is predominant, followed by HCV genotypes 2a, 2b, 2c, and 3a. HCV genotypes 4 and 5 are found almost exclusively in Africa. As discussed below, the patient's HCV genotype is clinically important in determining the patient's potential response to therapy and the required duration of such therapy.

An HCV infection can cause liver inflammation (hepatitis) that is often asymptomatic, but ensuing chronic hepatitis can result in cirrhosis of the liver (fibrotic scarring of the liver), liver cancer, and/or liver failure. The World Health Organization estimates that about 170 million persons worldwide are chronically infected with HCV, and from about three to about four million persons are newly infected globally each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about four million people in the United States are infected with HCV. Co-infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is common, and rates of HCV infection among HIV positive populations are higher.

There is a small chance of clearing the virus spontaneously, but the majority of patients with chronic hepatitis C will not clear it without treatment. Indications for treatment typically include proven HCV infection and persistent abnormal liver function tests. There are two treatment regimens that are primarily used to treat hepatitis C: monotherapy (using an interferon agent—either a “conventional” or longer-acting pegylated interferon) and combination therapy (using an interferon agent and ribavirin). Interferon, which is injected into the bloodstream, works by bolstering the immune response to HCV; and ribavirin, which is taken orally, is believed to work by preventing HCV replication. Taken alone, ribavirin does not effectively suppress HCV levels, but an interferon/ribavirin combination is more effective than interferon alone. Typically, hepatitis C is treated with a combination of pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin for a period of 24 or 48 weeks, depending on the HCV genotype.

The goal of treatment is sustained viral response—meaning that HCV is not measurable in the blood after therapy is completed. Following treatment with a combination of pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin, sustained cure rates (sustained viral response) of about 75% or better occur in people with HCV genotypes 2 and 3 in 24 weeks of treatment, about 50% in those with HCV genotype 1 with 48 weeks of treatment, and about 65% in those with HCV genotype 4 in 48 weeks of treatment.

Treatment may be physically demanding, particularly for those with prior history of drug or alcohol abuse, because both interferon and ribavirin have numerous side effects. Common interferon-associated side effects include flu-like symptoms, extreme fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, thyroid problems, high blood sugar, hair loss, and skin reactions at the injection site. Possible serious interferon-associated side effects include psychoses (e.g., suicidal behavior), heart problems (e.g., heart attack, low blood pressure), other internal organ damage, blood problems (e.g., blood counts falling dangerously low), and new or worsening autoimmune disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). Ribavirin-associated side effects include anemia, fatigue, irritability, skin rash, nasal stuffiness, sinusitis, and cough. Ribavirin can also cause birth defects, so pregnancy in female patients and female partners of male patients must be avoided during treatment and for six months afterward.

Some patients do not complete treatment because of the serious side effects discussed above; other patients (non-responders) continue to have measurable HCV levels despite treatment; and yet other patients (relapsers) appear to clear the virus during therapy, but the virus returns sometime after completion of the treatment regimen. Thus, there continues to be a need for alternative compositions and methods of treatment (used either in combination with, or in lieu of, an interferon agent and/or ribavirin) to prevent the progression of liver damage from hepatitis C. This disclosure provides processes for preparing one such compound—N-(6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl)methanesulfonamide (compound (A))—and salts thereof.

SUMMARY

This disclosure is directed to a process for preparing N-(6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl)methanesulfonamide (compound (A)) or a salt thereof, wherein the process comprises sulfonamidation of a sulfonate (compound (5)).

This disclosure also is directed to compound (A) and salt thereof prepared by the above process.

This disclosure also is directed to compound (A) and potassium or sodium salt thereof prepared by the above process.

This disclosure also is directed to a process for preparing compound (5).

This disclosure also is directed to compound (4).

This disclosure also is directed to various intermediates useful for preparing compound (4) as well as to processes for preparing those intermediates.

This disclosure also is directed to compositions (including pharmaceutical compositions) that comprise compound (A) or salt thereof that are prepared by the above processes. Optionally, the compositions can comprise one or more additional therapeutic agents.

This disclosure also is directed to methods of use of the above compounds and compositions to, for example, inhibit replication of a ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus (including HCV) or treat a disease treatable by inhibiting HCV RNA polymerase (including hepatitis C).

Further benefits of this disclosure will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This detailed description is intended only to acquaint others skilled in the art with this disclosure, its principles, and its practical application so that others skilled in the art may adapt and apply the disclosure in its numerous forms, as they may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use. This description and its specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only. This disclosure, therefore, is not limited to the embodiments described in this patent application, and may be variously modified.

A. Process for Preparing N-(6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl)methanesulfonamide (compound I) and the corresponding salt

As discussed above, this disclosure is directed, in part, to a process for preparing N-(6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl)methanesulfonamide (compound (A)) or a salt thereof. The salt of compound (A) may be the potassium salt, the sodium salt or any other suitable salt. In embodiments, the salt of compound (A) is the potassium salt. In embodiments, the salt of compound (A) is the sodium salt. The process comprises sulfonamidation of compound (5), wherein R^(1a) is, aryl, such asp-tolyl or phenyl, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, perfluorobutyl, or isomers of perfluorobutyl and other higher and lower homologs such as, but not limited to, perfluoropentyl, perfluorohexyl, and perfluorooctyl:

In an embodiment, the process comprises sulfonamidation of 6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonate (compound (5a)):

Compound (5) may be sulfonamidated using a transition metal catalyst precursor and ligand.

In embodiments, the ligand has a structure corresponding to the structure of formula (I),

wherein X is a phosphorus containing heterocyclic ring.

Ar¹ and Ar² are each independently aryl or heteroaryl. Examples of the Ar¹—Ar² group are given in formulae (I-1)-(I-42)

wherein X is a phosphine; V¹, V², V³, and V⁴ are independently selected from CR¹ or N; V⁵, V⁶, V⁷, V⁸ and V⁹ are independently selected from CR² or N; W¹, W², an W³ are independently selected from CR¹, NR¹, N or O;

W⁴ is C or N; W⁵ is C or N;

W⁶, W⁷, W⁸ and W⁹ are independently selected from CR², NR², N or O; and ring C, at each occurrence, is independently a fused-aryl or fused-heteroaryl unsubstituted or substituted with R¹ and R², respectively, any number of times depending on, for example, stability and rules of valence.

indicates that the 5- or 6-membered ring is aromatic.

Ar¹ and Ar² are each independently optionally substituted with groups such as one or more R¹ and R², respectively. Ar¹ and Ar² independently may be substituted with R¹ and R², respectively, any number of times depending on, for example, stability and rules of valence. A missing R group in any of the formulae (I-1)-(I-42) indicates in the conventional way that the position is occupied by a hydrogen atom.

In embodiments, groups R¹ and R² may be optional substituents that do not interfere with the catalytic action of the ligands when they are used in a catalyst composition in combination with transition metal compounds. In embodiments, R¹ and R² are independently selected at each occurrence from the group consisting of hydrogen; amino; hydroxyl; cyano; halo; alkyl; alkenyl; alkynyl; haloalkyl; haloalkoxy; oxoalkyl; alkoxy; alkylamino; dialkylamino; cycloalkyl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; cycloalkyloxy optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; phenyl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; hydroxyalkyl; hydroxyalkoxy; alkoxyalkyl; aminoalkyl; N-alkylaminoalkyl; N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl; N,N,N-trialkylammoniumalkyl; L¹-C(O)—OR^(1′), L¹-P(O)—(OR^(1′))₂, or L¹-S(O)₂—OR^(1′), wherein L¹ is a bond or alkylene, and R^(1′) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl and hydroxyalkyl; L²-O—C(O)—R^(2′), wherein L² is a bond or alkylene, and R^(2′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; L³-C(O)—NR^(3′)R^(4′), wherein L³ is a bond or alkylene, and R^(3′) and R^(4′) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and hydroxyalkyl; L⁴-NR^(5′)—C(O)—R^(6′), wherein L⁴ is a bond or alkylene, R^(5′) is hydrogen or alkyl, and R^(6′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; sulfamoyl; N-(alkyl)sulfamoyl; N,N-(dialkyl)sulfamoyl; sulfonamide; sulfate; alkylthio; and thioalkyl; or an R¹ and an R² join together to form an alkylene or —O—(CH₂)_(m)—O—, wherein m is 1, 2, 3 or 4.

In embodiments, each of R¹ and R² substituted as shown in each of formulae (I-1)-(I-42) are independently alkyl, alkoxy, dialkylamino, haloalkyl, fluoroalkyl, or phenyl. In embodiments, the alkyl groups are C₁-C₃ alkyl, the alkoxy groups are C₁-C₃ alkoxy, and the alkyl groups of haloalkyl and fluoroalkyl are C₁-C₃ alkyl. Examples of alkyls include methyl, ethyl, and isopropyl. Examples of alkoxys include methoxy and isopropoxy. An example of a haloalkyl includes trifluoromethyl. An example of a dialkylamino includes dimethylamino.

In embodiments, X is a phosphorous containing heterocyclic ring of Formula (Ia).

In these ligands, a phosphorus heterocycle labeled above as ring A (a “phosphacycle”) is bonded through a phosphorus atom to a substituted aromatic ring that is, in turn, substituted with another aromatic ring at an adjacent or ortho carbon atom to the phosphacycle. The phosphacycle contains three or more ring atoms including a phosphorus atom and two ring carbons bonded directly to the phosphorus atom. Ring A may be a phosphorus monocyclic heterocyclic ring, a bicyclic heterocyclic ring, or a tricyclic heterocyclic ring. Ring A includes 0 to 9 ring atoms in addition to the phosphorus and 2 carbon ring atoms of formula (Ia). Each of the ring atoms may be independently selected from the group consisting of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. The two ring carbons bonded to the phosphorus atom may be bonded to substituents R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹² and R¹³ through a carbon atom, i.e., substituents R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹² and R¹³ may be bonded to the phosphacycle through a carbon atom of the respective substituents. The phosphacycle may optionally contain one or more ring substituents selected from the group consisting of alkenyl; alkoxy; alkoxyalkyl; alkyl; alkylamino; alkylthio; alkynyl; aminoalkyl; N-alkylaminoalkyl; N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl; N,N,N-trialkylammoniumalkyl; arylalkyl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; cycloalkyl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; dialkylamino; halo; haloalkyl; fluoroalkyl; C₅₋₆ heteroaryl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; heterocycloalkyl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; hydroxy; hydroxyalkyl; oxo; an exocyclic double bond optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl; a 3- to 7-membered spiro ring containing zero, one, or two heteroatoms; phenyl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; L¹-C(O)—OR^(1′), L¹-P(O)—(OR^(1′))₂, or L¹-S(O)₂—OR^(1′), wherein L¹ is a bond or alkylene, and R^(1′) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl and hydroxyalkyl; L²-O—C(O)—R^(2′), wherein L² is a bond or alkylene, and R^(2′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; L³-C(O)—NR^(3′)R^(4′), wherein L³ is a bond or alkylene, and R^(3′) and R^(4′) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and hydroxyalkyl; L⁴-NR^(5′)—C(O)—R^(6′), wherein L⁴ is a bond or alkylene, R^(5′) is hydrogen or alkyl, and R^(6′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; and L⁷-NR^(8′)—S(O)₂—R^(9′), wherein L⁷ is a bond or alkylene, R^(8′) is hydrogen or alkyl, and R^(9′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl.

In various embodiments, ring A is a 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-membered ring containing no hetero ring atoms except the P-atom shown in Formula (Ia). Ring A may be a single ring containing no bridging atoms, or ring A may be a polycyclic ring such as a bicyclic or tricyclic ring containing bridging atoms.

In embodiments, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², and R¹³ may each be independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; alkyl; alkenyl; haloalkyl; alkynyl; oxoalkyl; cycloalkyl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; heterocyclyl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; C₅₋₆ heteroaryl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; phenyl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; hydroxyalkyl; alkoxyalkyl; aminoalkyl; N-alkylaminoalkyl; N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl; N,N,N-trialkylammoniumalkyl; thioalkyl; L¹³-C(O)—OR^(14′), L¹³-P(O)—(OR^(14′))₂, or L¹³-S(O)₂—OR^(14′), wherein L¹³ is a bond or alkylene, and R^(14′) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl and hydroxyalkyl; L¹⁵-O—C(O)—R^(16′), wherein L¹⁵ is alkylene and R^(16′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; L¹⁷-C(O)—NR^(18′)R^(19′), wherein L¹⁷ is a bond or alkylene, and R^(18′) and R^(19′) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and hydroxyalkyl; and L²⁰-NR^(21′)—C(O)—R^(22′), wherein L²⁰ is alkylene, R^(21′) is hydrogen or alkyl, and R^(22′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl.

In addition to the substituents defined above for R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², and R¹³, or alternatively, each of R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², and R¹³ may independently be involved in forming a ring. For example, R¹⁰ or R¹¹ together with R¹² or R¹³ may form a ring. R¹⁰ and R¹¹ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached may form a spirocyclic ring and/or R¹² and R¹³ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached may form a spirocyclic ring. One or more of R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹² and R¹³ may form a ring together with a ring substituent of ring A.

In embodiments, X is a phosphorous containing heterocyclic ring of Formula (Ib).

Phosphacycles of formula Ib are bonded through a phosphorus atom to a an optionally substituted aromatic ring that is, in turn, substituted with another aromatic ring at an adjacent or ortho carbon atom to the phosphorus atom. The phosphacycle contains a ferrocenyl moiety in addition to a phosphorus atom and two ring carbons bonded directly to the phosphorus atom. The two ring carbons bonded to the phosphorus atom are in turn bonded to substituents R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², and R¹³ through a carbon atom, i.e., substituents R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², and R¹³ are bonded to the phosphacycle through a carbon atom of the respective substituents. R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², and R¹³ are as described above.

In embodiments, X is fused to Ar¹ to give a compound of formula (Ic):

Ring B is a phosphorus heterocyclic ring (phosphacycle) with 0 to 5 ring atoms in addition to the phosphorus and carbon ring atom of formula (Ic). Each of the ring atoms may be independently selected from the group consisting of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. The phosphacycle may also optionally contain one or more ring substituents selected from the group consisting of alkenyl; alkoxy; alkoxyalkyl; alkyl; alkylamino; alkylthio; alkynyl; aminoalkyl; N-alkylaminoalkyl; N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl; N,N,N-trialkylammoniumalkyl; arylalkyl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; cycloalkyl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; dialkylamino; halo; haloalkyl; fluoroalkyl; C₅₋₆ heteroaryl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; heterocycloalkyl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; hydroxy; hydroxyalkyl; oxo; an exocyclic double bond optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl; a 3- to 7-membered spiro ring containing zero, one, or two heteroatoms; phenyl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; L¹-C(O)—OR^(1′), L¹-P(O)—(OR^(1′))₂, or L¹-S(O)₂OR^(1′), wherein L¹ is a bond or alkylene, and R^(1′) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; L²-O—C(O)—R^(2′), wherein L² is a bond or alkylene, and R^(2′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; L³-C(O)—NR^(3′)R^(4′), wherein L³ is a bond or alkylene, and R^(3′) and R^(4′) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and hydroxyalkyl; L⁴-NR^(5′)—C(O)—R^(6′), wherein L⁴ is a bond or alkylene, R^(5′) is hydrogen or alkyl, and R^(6′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; and L⁷-NR^(8′)—S(O)₂—R^(9′), wherein L⁷ is a bond or alkylene, R^(8′) is hydrogen or alkyl, and R^(9′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl.

R¹⁴ and R¹⁵, together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, may form a spirocyclic ring. One or more of R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ may form a ring together with a ring substituent of ring B. Each of R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ may be independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; alkyl; alkenyl; haloalkyl; alkynyl; oxoalkyl; cycloalkyl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl; heterocyclyl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; C₅₋₆ heteroaryl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; phenyl optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; hydroxyalkyl; alkoxyalkyl; aminoalkyl; N-alkylaminoalkyl; N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl; N,N,N-trialkylammoniumalkyl; thioalkyl; L¹³-C(O)—OR^(14′), L¹³-P(O)—(OR^(14′))₂, or L¹³-S(O)₂—OR^(14′) wherein L¹³ is a bond or alkylene, and R^(14′) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl and hydroxyalkyl; L¹⁵-O—C(O)—R^(16′) wherein L¹⁵ is alkylene, and R^(16′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; L¹⁷-C(O)—NR^(18′)R^(19′), wherein L¹⁷ is a bond or alkylene and R^(18′) and R^(19′) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and hydroxyalkyl; and L²⁰-NR^(21′)—C(O)—R^(22′), wherein L²⁰ is alkylene, R^(21′) is hydrogen or alkyl, and R^(22′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl.

R^(P) may be selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl. R^(P) may be selected from the group consisting of alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, or —(CR⁴¹R⁴²—O)_(q)— wherein one end is attached to the phosphorus atom of the phosphacycle and the other end is attached to a B ring atom, wherein R⁴¹ and R⁴² are each independently hydrogen or alkyl, and wherein q is 1 or 2. In other words, when R^(P) is alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, or —(CR⁴¹R⁴²—O)_(q)—, R^(P) may be a bridging group between the phosphorous atom of the phosphacycle and another ring atom of ring B.

In embodiments, the phosphacycle X has a structure corresponding to the structure of formula (Id):

where the groups R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³ are as described above. The phosphacycle of formula (Id) is a six-membered ring, wherein bonds a and b are single bonds or double bonds, provided that a and b are not simultaneously double bonds.

represents a bond that is either a single or double bond.

In the phosphacycles of formula (Id), one or more of the substituents R¹⁶, R¹⁷, R¹⁸, and R¹⁹ may optionally form a ring with substituents R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², or R¹³. In addition to, or alternatively, R¹⁶ and R¹⁹ may be independently selected from hydrogen halo, alkyl, haloalkyl, fluoroalkyl, alkenyl, and alkoxy. In embodiments, each of R¹⁶ and R¹⁹ is hydrogen.

R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ together may form a carbonyl; an exocyclic double bond optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl; or a 3- to 7-membered spiro ring containing zero, one, or two heteroatoms. In embodments, the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl with which the exocyclic double bond is substituted, as well as the exocyclic spiro ring optionally formed by R¹⁷ and R¹⁸, are optionally substituted with groups such as substituents that do no interfere unacceptably with the catalytic action of the respective ligand when used in combination with transition metal compounds. In embodiments, these optional substituents are selected from those groups described for R¹ and R².

In addition to, or alternatively, each of R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ may be independently selected from moieties that do not interfere unacceptably with the catalytic action of the respective ligand when used in combination with transition metal compounds. Each of R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ may be independently selected from hydrogen, halo, fluoro, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, fluoroalkyl, alkyloxy, alkylthio, N-alkylamino, N,N-dialkylamino, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₅₋₆ heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl; substituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl; hydroxyalkyl; alkoxyalkyl; aminoalkyl; N-alkylaminoalkyl; N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl; N,N,N-trialkylammoniumalkyl; L¹-C(O)—OR^(1′), L¹-P(O)—(OR^(1′))₂, or L¹-S(O)₂—OR^(1′) where R^(1′) is hydrogen, alkyl or hydroxyalkyl and L¹ is a bond or alkylene; L²-O—C(O)—R^(2′) where R^(2′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl and L² is a bond or alkylene; L³-C(O)—NR^(3′)R^(4′) where R^(3′) and R^(4′) are hydrogen, alkyl, or hydroxyalkyl and wherein L³ is a bond or alkylene; L⁴-NR^(5′)—C(O)—R^(6′) wherein R^(5′) is hydrogen or alkyl, R^(6′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, and L⁴ is a bond or alkylene.

The phosphacycles may include polycyclic rings with bridging atoms.

Examples of phosphacycles having a structure corresponding to formula (Id) are as follows:

The phosphacycles may have chiral centers such as, for example, phosphacycles 1-15, 1-16, 1-17, 1-18, 1-19, 1-20, 1-21, 1-22, 1-32, 1-33, 1-34, 1-35, 1-42, 1-43, and 1-44.

In embodiments, phosphacycles X are based on rings other than a 6-membered ring. Such phosphacycles have structures corresponding to the structure of formula (Ie):

Phosphacycle X of formula (Ie) may be a 4-membered, 5-membered, 7-membered, or 8-membered ring, optionally containing bridging to form a polycyclic ring.

Q¹ may be a bond, —O—, —S—, —N(R²¹)—, ═C(R²²)—, or —C(R²³)(R²⁴)—; Q² may be a bond, —O—, —S—, —N(R²⁵)—, ═C(R²⁶)—, or —C(R²⁷)(R²⁸)—; Q³ may be a bond, —O—, —S—, —N(R²⁹)—, ═C(R³⁰)—, or —C(R³²)(R³⁰)—; Q⁴ may be a bond, —O—, —S—, —N(R³³)—, ═C(R³⁴)—, or —C(R³⁵)(R³⁶)—; and Q⁵ may be a bond, —O—, —S—, —N(R³⁷)—, ═C(R³⁸)—, or —C(R³⁹)(R⁴⁰)—; wherein R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, and R²¹ through R⁴⁰ are ring substituents. In embodiments, at least one of Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, and Q5 is not a bond, so that the phosphacycle has at least four ring members.

One or more of the ring substituents R²¹ through R⁴⁰ may form a ring with another ring substituent. In addition, or alternatively, each of the ring substituents R²¹ through R⁴⁰ are independently selected from hydrogen halo, fluoro, alkyl, haloalkyl, fluoroalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkyloxy, N-alkylamino, N,N-dialkylamino, N,N,N-trialkylammoniumalkyl; substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₅₋₆ heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl; hydroxyalkyl; alkoxyalkyl; aminoalkyl; N-alkylaminoalkyl; N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl; N,N,N-trialkylammoniumalkyl; L¹-C(O)—OR^(1′), L¹-P(O)—(OR^(1′))₂, or L¹-S(O)₂—OR^(1′) where R^(1′) is hydrogen, alkyl or hydroxyalkyl and L¹ is a bond or alkylene; L²-O—C(O)—R^(2′) where R^(2′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl and L² is a bond or alkylene; L³-C(O)—NR^(3′)R^(4′) where R^(3′) and R^(4′) are each independently hydrogen, alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, and L³ is a bond or alkylene; L⁴-NR^(5′)—C(O)—R^(6′) wherein R^(5′) is hydrogen or alkyl, R^(6′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, and L⁴ is a bond or alkylene; and alkylthio.

In addition, or alternatively, two ring substituents on the same ring atom Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, or Q5 together may form a carbonyl; an exocyclic double bond optionally substituted with groups such as alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl; or a 3- to 7-membered spiro ring containing zero, one, or two hetero ring atoms. In embodiments, the optional substituents on the exocyclic double bond or spiro ring are selected from the substituents described above for groups R¹ and R².

In embodiments where a phosphacycle of formula (Ie) is substituted as group X on the Ar¹—Ar² group of formula (I), each of R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aminoalkyl, and alkoxy; and each of R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², and R¹³ are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, and/or R¹⁰ or R¹¹ together with R¹² or R¹³ form a ring.

Non-limiting examples of phosphacycles of formula (Ie) are as follows:

In embodiments, phosphacycles of formula (Ia), (Id), and (Ie), are substituted as group X on the Ar¹—Ar² group of formula (I), wherein the groups R¹ and R² are hydrogen or a non-hydrogen substituent.

Phosphine ligands may include, for example, 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-8-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinane; 8,8,10,10-tetramethyl-9-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)-1,5-dioxa-9-phosphaspiro[5.5]undecane; 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinan-4-ol; 8-(2′,6′-diisopropoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-8-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)-2,4,6-trioxa-8-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.1^(3,7)]decane; di-tert-butyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,4,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphine; di-tert-butyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphine; di-tert-butyl(2′-isopropoxy-1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)phosphine; 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,4,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-2-yl)phospholane; 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,4,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinane; 2,2,7,7-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,4,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphepane; 2,2,8,8-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,4,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphocane; 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-8-phenyl-2,4,6-trioxa-8-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.1^(3,7)]decane; 8-(2′,6′-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; 6-methoxy-N,N-dimethyl-2′-(7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decan-8-yl)biphenyl-2-amine; 8-(2′-methoxy-1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; 8-(1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-8-(2-(naphthalen-1-yl)phenyl)-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-8-(2-(naphthalen-2-yl)phenyl)-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinan-4-one; 3,3,8,8,10,10-hexamethyl-9-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)-1,5-dioxa-9-phosphaspiro[5.5]undecane; 1-(2′-(dimethylamino)-6′-methoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(2′,6′-bis(dimethylamino)biphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(2′,6′-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(2′,6′-diisopropoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(2′-(dimethylamino)biphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(biphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(2′-methoxy-1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(3,6-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(3,6-dimethoxy-2′,4′,6′-trimethylbiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,6-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinan-4-one; 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-4,5-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinan-4-one; 1-(3′,5′-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(4′-tert-butylbiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; N²,N²,N⁶,N⁶-tetramethyl-2′-(7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decan-8-yl)biphenyl-2,6-diamine;N,N-dimethyl-2′-(7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decan-8-yl)biphenyl-2-amine; 8-(biphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; 8-(3,6-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; 8-(3,6-dimethoxy-2′,4′,6′-trimethylbiphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; or any other suitable phosphine. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-8-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinane. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 8,8,10,10-tetramethyl-9-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)-1,5-dioxa-9-phosphaspiro[5.5]undecane. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinan-4-ol. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 8-(2′,6′-diisopropoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-8-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)-2,4,6-trioxa-8-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.1^(3,7)]decane. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is di-tert-butyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,4,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphine. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is di-tert-butyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphine. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is di-tert-butyl(2′-isopropoxy-1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)phosphine. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,4,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-2-yl)phospholane. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,4,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinane. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 2,2,7,7-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,4,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphepane. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 2,2,8,8-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,4,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphocane. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-8-phenyl-2,4,6-trioxa-8-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.1^(3,7)]decane. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 8-(2′,6′-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 6-methoxy-N,N-dimethyl-2′-(7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decan-8-yl)biphenyl-2-amine. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 8-(2′-methoxy-1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 8-(1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-8-(2-(naphthalen-1-yl)phenyl)-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-8-(2-(naphthalen-2-yl)phenyl)-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinan-4-one. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 3,3,8,8,10,10-hexamethyl-9-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)-1,5-dioxa-9-phosphaspiro[5.5]undecane. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 1-(2′-(dimethylamino)-6′-methoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 1-(2′,6′-bis(dimethylamino)biphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 1-(2′,6′-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 1-(2′,6′-diisopropoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 1-(2′-(dimethylamino)biphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 1-(biphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 1-(1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 1-(2′-methoxy-1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 1-(3,6-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 1-(3,6-dimethoxy-2′,4′,6′-trimethylbiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,6-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinan-4-one. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-4,5-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinan-4-one; 1-(3′,5′-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 1-(4′-tert-butylbiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is N²,N²,N⁶,N⁶-tetramethyl-2′-(7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decan-8-yl)biphenyl-2,6-diamine. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is N,N-dimethyl-2′-(7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decan-8-yl)biphenyl-2-amine. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 8-(biphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 8-(3,6-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane. In embodiments, the phosphine ligand is 8-(3,6-dimethoxy-2′,4′,6′-trimethylbiphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane.

Compound (5) may be sulfonamidated in the presence of a transition metal catalyst precursor. In embodiments, the transition metal catalyst precursor is a transition metal compound. In embodiments, the transition metal catalyst precursor is a palladium catalyst precursor. Palladium catalyst precursors may include, for example, tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0), dichlorobis(tri-o-tolylphosphine)palladium(II), palladium(II)acetate, [1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino) ferrocene]dichloropalladium(II), tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0), dichloro(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(II), dichlorotris(cyclohexylphosphine) palladium(II), dichlorobis(triphenyl-phosphine) palladium(II), chloro(η3-allyl)palladium(II)dimer-triphenylphosphine, palladium(II) chloride, palladium(II) bromide, bis(acetonitrile)dichloropalladium(II) and any other suitable palladium catalyst precursor. In embodiments, the palladium catalyst precursor is tetrakis(triphenylphosphine) palladium(0). In embodiments, the palladium catalyst precursor is dichlorobis(tri-o-tolylphosphine) palladium(II). In embodiments, the palladium catalyst precursor is palladium(II)acetate. In embodiments, the palladium catalyst precursor is [1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]dichloro palladium(II). In embodiments, the palladium catalyst precursor is tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0). In embodiments, the palladium catalyst precursor is palladium(II) bromide. In embodiments, the palladium catalyst precursor is palladium(II) chloride. In embodiments, the palladium catalyst precursor is bis(acetonitrile)dichloropalladium(II). In embodiments, the palladium catalyst precursor is dichloro(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(II). In embodiments, the palladium catalyst precursor is dichlorotris(cyclohexylphosphine) palladium(II). In embodiment, the palladium catalyst precursor is dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine) palladium(II). In embodiment, the palladium catalyst precursor is chloro(η3-allyl)palladium(II)dimer-triphenylphosphine.

In embodiments, compound (5) is sulfonamidated in the presence of solvent. Solvents may include, for example, tetrahydrofuran, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N-methyl-pyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,4-dioxane, acetonitrile, cyclopentyl methyl ether, toluene, benzene, tert-amyl alcohol, and tert-butyl alcohol, 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran, ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, anisole, trifluorotoluene and any other suitable solvent and combinations thereof. In embodiments, the solvent is tetrahydrofuran. In embodiments, the solvent is N,N-dimethylformamide. In embodiments, the solvent is N,N-dimethylacetamide. In embodiments, the solvent is N-methylpyrrolidone. In embodiments, the solvent is dimethyl sulfoxide. In embodiments, the solvent is 1,2-dimethoxyethane. In embodiments, the solvent is 1,4-dioxane. In embodiments, the solvent is acetonitrile. In embodiments, the solvent is cyclopentyl methyl ether. In embodiments, the solvent is toluene. In embodiments, the solvent is benzene. In embodiments, the solvent is tert-amyl alcohol. In embodiments, the solvent is tert-butyl alcohol. In embodiments, the solvent is 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran. In embodiments, the solvent is ethyl acetate. In embodiments, the solvent is isopropyl acetate. In embodiments, the solvent is anisole. In embodiments, the solvent is trifluorotoluene.

Compound (5) may be sulfonamidated in the presence of base. Bases may include, for example, potassium phosphate tribasic, cesium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium tert-butoxide, potassium tert-butoxide, sodium phenoxide, lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide, lithium diisopropylamide and any other suitable base and combinations thereof. In embodiments, the base is potassium phosphate tribasic. In embodiments, the base is cesium carbonate. In embodiments, the base is potassium carbonate. In embodiments, the base is sodium carbonate. In embodiments, the base is sodium tert-butoxide. In embodiments, the base is potassium tert-butoxide. In embodiments, the base is sodium phenoxide. In embodiments, the base is lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide. In embodiments, the base is lithium diisopropylamide.

Compound (5) may be sulfonamidated at a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 130° C. or from about 60° C. to about 100° C. In embodiments, compound (5) is sulfonamidated at a temperature of about 60° C., then about 85° C., and finally about 95° C.

Compound (5) may be sulfonamidated in an inert atmosphere. In embodiments, the inert atmosphere is provided by nitrogen. In embodiments, the inert atmosphere is provided by argon.

In an embodiment, compound (5) is reacted with methanesulfonamide under an argon atmosphere in t-amyl alcohol in the presence of potassium phosphate tribasic, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) and di-tert-butyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,4,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphine to give compound (A).

In an embodiment, compound (5) is reacted with methanesulfonamide under an argon atmosphere in t-amyl alcohol in the presence of potassium phosphate tribasic, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) and 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-8-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane to give compound (A).

In an embodiment, compound (5) is reacted with methanesulfonamide in t-amyl alcohol in the presence of potassium phosphate tribasic, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinane to give compound (A).

In an embodiment, compound (5) is reacted with methanesulfonamide in t-amyl alcohol in the presence of potassium phosphate tribasic, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) and 8,8,10,10-tetramethyl-9-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)-1,5-dioxa-9-phosphaspiro[5.5]undecane to give compound (A).

In an embodiment, compound (5) is reacted with methanesulfonamide in t-amyl alcohol in the presence of potassium phosphate tribasic, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinan-4-ol to give compound (A).

In an embodiment, compound (5) is reacted with methanesulfonamide in t-amyl alcohol in the presence of potassium phosphate tribasic, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) and 8-(2′,6′-diisopropoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane to give compound (A).

In an embodiment, compound (5) is reacted with methanesulfonamide in t-amyl alcohol in the presence of potassium phosphate tribasic, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) and 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-8-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)-2,4,6-trioxa-8-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.1^(3,7)]decane to give compound (A).

In an embodiment, compound (5) is reacted with methanesulfonamide in t-amyl alcohol in the presence of potassium phosphate tribasic, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) and 8-(2′,6′-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane to give compound (A).

In an embodiment, compound (5) is reacted with methanesulfonamide in t-amyl alcohol in the presence of potassium phosphate tribasic, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) and 6-methoxy-N,N-dimethyl-2′-(7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decan-8-yl)biphenyl-2-amine to give compound (A).

In an embodiment, compound (5) is reacted with methanesulfonamide in t-amyl alcohol in the presence of potassium phosphate tribasic, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) and 8-(2′-methoxy-1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane to give compound (A).

In an embodiment, compound (5) is reacted with methanesulfonamide in t-amyl alcohol in the presence of potassium phosphate tribasic, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) and 8-(1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane to give compound (A).

In an embodiment, compound (5) is reacted with methanesulfonamide in t-amyl alcohol in the presence of potassium phosphate tribasic, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) and 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-8-(2-(naphthalen-1-yl)phenyl)-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane to give compound (A).

In an embodiment, compound (5) is reacted with methanesulfonamide in t-amyl alcohol in the presence of potassium phosphate tribasic, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) and 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-8-(2-(naphthalen-2-yl)phenyl)-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane to give compound (A).

Compounds of formula (A) may be converted to a corresponding salt. A salt of compound (A) may be advantageous due to one or more of the properties of the salt, such as, for example, enhanced pharmaceutical stability in differing temperatures and humidities, or a desirable solubility in water or other solvents. Where a salt is intended to be administered to a patient (as opposed to, for example, being in use in an in vitro context), the salt is considered to be pharmaceutically acceptable and/or physiologically compatible. Accordingly, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable” is used adjectivally in this disclosure to mean that the modified noun is appropriate for use as a pharmaceutical product or as a part of a pharmaceutical product. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include salts commonly used to form alkali metal salts and to form addition salts of free acids or free bases. In general, these salts typically may be prepared by conventional means by reacting, for example, the appropriate acid or base with a compound of the disclosure. Pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts of the compounds of formula (A) include, for example, metallic salts and organic salts. Metallic salts may include alkali metal (group Ia) salts, alkaline earth metal (group IIa) salts, and other physiologically acceptable metal salts. Such salts may be made from aluminum, calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc.

In an embodiment, compounds of formula (A) may be converted to the corresponding salt, compound (As), by treatment with a base, solvent or base in a solvent.

Bases may include, for example, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and any other suitable base. In embodiments, the base is potassium hydroxide. In embodiments, the base is sodium hydroxide. Solvents may include, for example, dimethyl sulfoxide, 2-propanol, water, and any other suitable solvent or mixtures thereof. In an embodiment, compound (A) is reacted with sodium hydroxide in a mixture of dimethyl sulfoxide, 2-propanol and water to give compound (As) as the sodium salt. In an embodiment the conversion to the corresponding salt is conducted at a temperature of about 68° C.

Organic salts of compound (A) may be made from amines, such as tromethamine, diethylamine, N,N-dibenzylethylenediamine, chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine, ethylenediamine, meglumine (N-methylglucamine), and procaine. Basic nitrogen-containing groups can be quaternized with agents such as lower alkyl(C₁-C₆)halides (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl chlorides, bromides, and iodides), dialkyl sulfates (e.g., dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl, and diamyl sulfates), long chain halides (e.g., decyl, lauryl, myristyl, and stearyl chlorides, bromides, and iodides), arylalkyl halides (e.g., benzyl and phenethyl bromides), and others.

The disclosure is also directed to particular salts and polymorphs of certain disclosed compounds, including intermediates of the disclosed processes, as well as compositions comprising and processes for preparing such compounds, salts, and polymorphs. For example, this disclosure is directed, in part, to crystalline forms of N-(6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl)methanesulfonamide (compound (A)) and the corresponding sodium and potassium salts, namely the solvate, hydrate, and solvent-free crystalline forms described in International Patent Publication Nos. WO 2009/039134 and WO2009/039127 which are incorporated herein by reference.

B. Process for Preparing 6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl-1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonate (compound 5)

Compound (5) may be prepared by reacting 1-(3-tert-butyl-5-(6-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (compound (4)) with a sulfonyl fluoride, sulfonyl chloride, or sulfonic acid anhydride, wherein X¹ is chlorine or fluorine, and R^(1a) is p-tolyl, phenyl, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, perfluorobutyl, or isomers of perfluorobutyl and other higher and lower homologs such as, but not limited to, perfluoropentyl, perfluorohexyl, and perfluorooctyl:

Compound (4) may be sulfonylated in the presence of a base. Bases may include, for example, sodium hydride, sodium hydroxide, sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, sodium tert-butoxide, potassium hydride, potassium hydroxide, potassium methoxide, potassium ethoxide, potassium tert-butoxide, potassium carbonate, cesium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, triethylamine, diisopropylethylamine, 4-methylmorpholine, pyridine, 2,6-dimethylpyridine, or any other suitable base. In embodiments, the base is sodium hydride. In embodiments, the base is sodium hydroxide. In embodiments, the base is sodium methoxide. In embodiments, the base is sodium ethoxide. In embodiments, the base is sodium tert-butoxide. In embodiments, the base is potassium hydride. In embodiments, the base is potassium hydroxide. In embodiments, the base is potassium methoxide. In embodiments, the base is potassium ethoxide. In embodiments, the base is potassium tert-butoxide. In embodiments, the base is potassium carbonate. In embodiments, the base is cesium carbonate. In embodiments, the base is sodium carbonate. In embodiments, the base is sodium bicarbonate. In embodiments, the base is triethylamine. In embodiments, the base is diisopropylethylamine. In embodiments, the base is 4-methylmorpholine. In embodiments, the base is pyridine. In embodiments, the base is 2,6-dimethylpyridine.

Compound (4) may be sulfonylated in the presence of solvent. Solvents may include, for example, tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,4-dioxane, acetonitrile, dichloromethane, chloroform, diethyl ether, or any other suitable solvent or mixtures thereof. In embodiments, the solvent is tetrahydrofuran. In embodiments, the solvent is 2-methyltetrahydrofuran. In embodiments, the solvent is dimethyl sulfoxide. In embodiments, the solvent is N,N-dimethylformamide. In embodiments, the solvent is N,N-dimethylacetamide. In embodiments, the solvent is N-methylpyrrolidone. In embodiments, the solvent is 1,2-dimethoxyethane. In embodiments, the solvent is 1,4-dioxane. In embodiments, the solvent is acetonitrile. In embodiments, the solvent is dichloromethane. In embodiments, the solvent is chloroform. In embodiments, the solvent is diethyl ether.

Compound (4) may be sulfonylated at a temperature of from about −15° C. to about 50° C. or from about −5° C. to about 30° C. In an embodiment, compound (4) is sulfonylated at ambient temperature.

Compound (4) may be sulfonylated in inert atmosphere. In embodiments, the inert atmosphere is provided by nitrogen. In embodiments, the inert atmosphere is provided by argon.

In an embodiment, compound (4) is reacted with perfluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride under an inert nitrogen atmosphere in N,N-dimethylformamide at ambient temperature in the presence of potassium carbonate to provide compound (5a).

C. Process for Preparing 1-(3-tert-butyl-5-(6-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (compound (4))

This disclosure is directed, in part, to 1-(3-tert-butyl-5-(6-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (compound (4)) or a salt thereof. Compound (4) may be prepared by reacting compound (1) with compound (3) under Suzuki reaction conditions in the presence of a transition metal catalyst precursor, base, and ligand.

X² of compound (1) may be chloro, bromo, or iodo. In embodiments, X² is chloro. In embodiments, X² is bromo. In a further embodiment, X² is iodo. Compound (1) may include, for example, 1-(3-tert-butyl-5-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (compound (1a)), 1-(3-bromo-5-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (compound (1b)), or 1-(3-tert-butyl-5-iodo-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (compound (1c)). The preparation of compound (1) is described in Example 1 below as well as in International Patent Publication No. WO 2009/039127 which is incorporated herein by reference.

Y¹ of compound (3) may be a boronic acid, borate ester, or borate salt. In embodiments, Y¹ is a boronic acid. In embodiments, Y¹ is a borate ester. In embodiments, Y¹ is a borate salt. Compound (3) may include, for example, 6-hydroxynaphthalen-2-ylboronic acid (compound (3a)), potassium trifluoro(6-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)borate (compound (3b)), and 6-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)naphthalen-2-ol (compound (3c)), each of which are commercially available.

The cross-coupling reaction may be conducted in the presence of catalyst precursor. The catalyst may be, for example, a silicon, boron, tin, zinc or any other suitable catalyst. In embodiments, the catalyst is a transition metal catalyst precursor. In embodiments, the transition metal catalyst precursor is a palladium catalyst precursor. Palladium catalyst precursors may include, for example, tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0), dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II), tris(dibenzylidineacetone)dipalladium(0), palladium(II)diacetate, dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium, [1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]dichloropalladium(II), complex with dichloromethane, or any other suitable palladium catalyst precursor. In embodiments, the palladium catalyst precursor is tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0). In embodiments, the palladium catalyst precursor is dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II). In embodiments, the palladium catalyst precursor is tris(dibenzylidineacetone)dipalladium(0). In embodiments, the palladium catalyst precursor is palladium(II)diacetate. In embodiments, the palladium catalyst precursor is dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium. In embodiments, the palladium catalyst precursor is [1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]dichloropalladium(II), complex with dichloromethane.

The cross-coupling reaction may be conducted in the presence of a ligand. In embodiments the ligand is a phosphine. Ligands may include, for example, tri-t-butylphosphine, tricylcohexylphosphine, tris(2-furyl)phosphine, 2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl, 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-8-phenyl-2,4,6-trioxa-8-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.1^(3,7)]decane, biphenyl-2-yldicyclohexylphosphine, dicyclohexyl(2′,6′-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)phosphine, dicyclohexyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphine, or any other suitable ligand. In embodiments, the ligand is tri-t-butylphosphine. In embodiments, the ligand is tricylcohexylphosphine. In embodiments, the ligand is, tris(2-furyl)phosphine. In embodiments, the ligand is 2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl. In embodiments, the ligand is 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-8-phenyl-2,4,6-trioxa-8-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.1^(3,7)]decane. In embodiments, the ligand is biphenyl-2-yldicyclohexylphosphine. In embodiments, the ligand is dicyclohexyl(2′,6′-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)phosphine. In embodiments, the ligand is dicyclohexyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphine.

Compound (1) may be reacted with compound (3) in the presence of a base. Bases may include, for example, potassium phosphate tribasic, cesium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium tert-butoxide, cesium fluoride or any other suitable base. In embodiments, the base is potassium phosphate tribasic. In embodiments, the base is cesium carbonate. In embodiments, the base is potassium carbonate. In embodiments, the base is sodium carbonate. In embodiments, the base is potassium tert-butoxide. In embodiments, the base is cesium fluoride.

Compound (1) may be reacted with compound (3) in the presence of solvent. Solvents may include, for example, tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, N,N-dimethylformamide, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,4-dioxane, ethanol, toluene, water, or any other suitable solvent or mixtures thereof. In embodiments, the solvent is tetrahydrofuran. In embodiments, the solvent is 2-methyltetrahydrofuran. In embodiments, the solvent is N,N-dimethylformamide. In embodiments, the solvent is 1,2-dimethoxyethane. In embodiments, the solvent is 1,4-dioxane. In embodiments, the solvent is ethanol. In embodiments, the solvent is toluene. In embodiments, the solvent is water.

Compound (1) may be reacted with compound (3) at a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 130° C., or from about 40° C. to about 80° C. In an embodiment the reaction is conducted at ambient or elevated temperatures. In an embodiment the reaction is conducted at about 65° C. The temperature may be controlled either through conventional or microwave heating.

Compound (1) may be reacted with compound (3) in an inert atmosphere. In embodiments, the inert atmosphere is provided by nitrogen. In embodiments, the inert atmosphere is provided by argon.

In an embodiment, 1-(3-tert-butyl-5-iodo-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (compound (1c) is reacted with 6-hydroxynaphthalen-2-ylboronic acid (compound (3a) in tetrahydrofuran in the presence of potassium phosphate tribasic, 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-8-phenyl-2,4,6-trioxa-8-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.1^(3,7)]decane, and tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) to provide 1-(3-tert-butyl-5-(6-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (compound (4)).

D. Definitions

As used in the specification and the appended claims, unless specified to the contrary, the following terms have the meaning indicated:

The term “alkenyl” as used herein, means a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain containing from 2 to 10 carbons and containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond formed by the removal of two hydrogens. Representative examples of alkenyl include, but are not limited to, ethenyl, 2-propenyl, 2-methyl-2-propenyl, 3-butenyl, 4-pentenyl, 5-hexenyl, 2-heptenyl, 2-methyl-1-heptenyl, and 3-decenyl.

The term “alkoxy” as used herein, means an alkyl group, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through an oxygen atom. Representative examples of alkoxy include, but are not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, 2-propoxy, butoxy, tert-butoxy, pentyloxy, and hexyloxy.

The term “alkoxyalkyl” as used herein means an alkoxy group, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through an alkyl group, as defined herein. Representative examples of alkoxyalkyl include, but are not limited to, tert-butoxymethyl, 2-ethoxyethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, and methoxymethyl.

The term “alkyl” as used herein, means a straight or branched, saturated hydrocarbon chain containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The term “lower alkyl” or “C₁₋₆ alkyl” means a straight or branched chain hydrocarbon containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The term “C₁₋₃ alkyl” means a straight or branched chain hydrocarbon containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Representative examples of alkyl include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, n-hexyl, 3-methylhexyl, 2,2-dimethylpentyl, 2,3-dimethylpentyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-nonyl, and n-decyl.

The term “alkylamino” as used herein, means an alkyl group, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through an amino group, as defined herein. Representative examples of alkylamino include, but are not limited to, methylamino, ethylamino, and sec-butylamino.

The term “N-alkylaminoalkyl” as used herein, means an alkyl group, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through an aminoalkyl group, as defined herein. Representative examples of N-alkylaminoalkyl include, but are not limited to, methylaminoethyl and methylamino-2-propyl.

The term “alkylcarbonyl” means an alkyl group appended to the parent molecular moiety through a carbonyl group, as defined herein. Representative examples of alkylcarbonyl include, but are not limited to, acetyl, 1-oxopropyl, 2,2-dimethyl-1-oxopropyl, 1-oxobutyl, and 1-oxopentyl.

The term “alkylene” denotes a divalent group derived from a straight or branched chain hydrocarbon 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Representative examples of alkylene include, but are not limited to, —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—, and —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—.

The term “N-(alkyl)sulfamoyl” as used herein, means an alkyl group, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through a sulfamoyl group, as defined herein. Representative examples of N-(alkyl)sulfamoyl include, but are not limited to, N-methylsulfamoyl and N-ethylsulfamoyl.

The term “alkylthio” as used herein, means an alkyl group, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through a sulfur atom. Representative examples of alkylthio include, but are not limited to, methylthio, ethylthio, tert-butylthio, and hexylthio.

The term “alkynyl” as used herein, means a straight or branched chain hydrocarbon group containing from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and containing at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. Representative examples of alkynyl include, but are not limited, to acetylenyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 3-butynyl, 2-pentynyl, and 1-butynyl.

The term “amino” as used herein means an —NH₂ group.

The term “aminoalkyl” as used herein means at least one amino group, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through an alkyl group, as defined herein. Representative examples of aminoalkyl include, but are not limited to, aminomethyl, 2-aminoethyl, 2-methyl-2-hydroxyethyl, and 2-aminopropyl.

The term “aryl” as used herein, means phenyl or a bicyclic aryl. The bicyclic aryl is naphthyl, or a phenyl fused to a monocyclic cycloalkyl, or a phenyl fused to a monocyclic cycloalkenyl. Representative examples of the aryl groups include, but are not limited to, dihydroindenyl, indenyl, naphthyl, dihydronaphthalenyl, and tetrahydronaphthalenyl. The bicyclic aryl is attached to the parent molecular moiety through any carbon atom contained within the bicyclic ring system. The aryl groups of the present disclosure can be unsubstituted or substituted.

The term “cyano” as used herein, means a —CN group.

The term “cycloalkoxy” as used herein, means a cycloalkyl group, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through an oxygen atom. Representative examples of cycloalkoxy include, but are not limited to, cyclohexyloxy and cyclopropoxy.

The term “cycloalkyl” or “cycloalkane” as used herein, means a monocyclic, a bicyclic, or a tricyclic cycloalkyl. The monocyclic cycloalkyl is a carbocyclic ring system containing three to eight carbon atoms, zero heteroatoms and zero double bonds. Examples of monocyclic ring systems include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and cyclooctyl. The bicyclic cycloalkyl is a monocyclic cycloalkyl fused to a monocyclic cycloalkyl ring, or a bridged monocyclic ring system in which two non-adjacent carbon atoms of the monocyclic ring are linked by an alkylene bridge containing one, two, three, or four carbon atoms. Representative examples of bicyclic ring systems include, but are not limited to, bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, bicyclo[3.2.2]nonane, bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane, and bicyclo[4.2.1]nonane. Tricyclic cycloalkyls are exemplified by a bicyclic cycloalkyl fused to a monocyclic cycloalkyl, or a bicyclic cycloalkyl in which two non-adjacent carbon atoms of the ring systems are linked by an alkylene bridge of 1, 2, 3, or 4 carbon atoms. Representative examples of tricyclic-ring systems include, but are not limited to, tricyclo[3.3.1.0^(3,7)]nonane (octahydro-2,5-methanopentalene or noradamantane), and tricyclo[3.3.1.1^(3,7)]decane (adamantane). The monocyclic, bicyclic, and tricyclic cycloalkyls can be unsubstituted or substituted, and are attached to the parent molecular moiety through any substitutable atom contained within the ring system.

The term “dialkylamino” as used herein, means two independently selected alkyl groups, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through an amino group, as defined herein. Representative examples of dialkylamino include, but are not limited to, N,N-dimethylamino, N-ethyl-N-methylamino, and N-isopropyl-N-methylamino.

The term “N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl” as used herein, means two independently selected alkyl groups, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through an aminoalkyl group, as defined herein. Representative examples of N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl include, but are not limited to, N,N-dimethylaminoethyl and N,N-methyl(2-propyl)aminoethyl.

The term “N,N-(dialkyl)sulfamoyl” as used herein, means two independently selected alkyl groups, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through a sulfamoyl group, as defined herein. Representative examples of N,N-(dialkyl)sulfamoyl include, but are not limited to, N,N-dimethylsulfamoyl and N-methyl-N-ethyl-sulfamoyl.

The term “halo” or “halogen” as used herein, means Cl, Br, I, or F.

The term “haloalkoxy” as used herein, means at least one halogen, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through an alkoxy group, as defined herein. Representative examples of haloalkoxy include, but are not limited to, chloromethoxy, 2-fluoroethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, and pentafluoroethoxy.

The term “haloalkyl” as used herein, means an alkyl group, as defined herein, in which one, two, three, four, five or six hydrogen atoms are replaced by halogen. Representative examples of haloalkyl include, but are not limited to, chloromethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, 2-chloro-3-fluoropentyl, and trifluoropropyl such as 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl.

The term “heteroaryl” as used herein, means a monocyclic heteroaryl or a bicyclic heteroaryl. The monocyclic heteroaryl is a five- or six-membered ring. The five-membered ring contains two double bonds. The five-membered ring may contain one heteroatom selected from O or S; or one, two, three, or four nitrogen atoms and optionally one oxygen or sulfur atom. The six-membered ring contains three double bonds and one, two, three or four nitrogen atoms. Representative examples of monocyclic heteroaryl include, but are not limited to, furanyl, imidazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, 1,3-oxazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolyl, pyrrolyl, tetrazolyl, thiadiazolyl, 1,3-thiazolyl, thienyl, triazolyl, and triazinyl. The bicyclic heteroaryl includes a monocyclic heteroaryl fused to a phenyl, or a monocyclic heteroaryl fused to a monocyclic cycloalkyl, or a monocyclic heteroaryl fused to a monocyclic cycloalkenyl, or a monocyclic heteroaryl fused to a monocyclic heteroaryl, or a monocyclic heteroaryl fused to a monocyclic heterocycle. Representative examples of bicyclic heteroaryl groups include, but are not limited to, benzofuranyl, benzothienyl, benzoxazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzoxadiazolyl, 6,7-dihydro-1,3-benzothiazolyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinyl, indazolyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, isoquinolinyl, naphthyridinyl, pyridoimidazolyl, quinazolinyl, quinolinyl, thiazolo[5,4-b]pyridin-2-yl, thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidin-2-yl, and 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinolin-5-yl. The monocyclic and bicyclic heteroaryl groups of the present disclosure can be substituted or unsubstituted and are connected to the parent molecular moiety through any carbon atom or any nitrogen atom contained within the ring systems.

The term “heterocycle” or “heterocyclic” as used herein, means a monocyclic heterocycle, a bicyclic heterocycle, or a tricyclic heterocycle. The monocyclic heterocycle is a three-, four-, five-, six-, seven-, or eight-membered ring containing at least one heteroatom independently selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur. The three- or four-membered ring contains zero or one double bond, and one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur. The five-membered ring contains zero or one double bond and one, two or three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur. The six-membered ring contains zero, one or two double bonds and one, two, or three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur. The seven- and eight-membered rings contains zero, one, two, or three double bonds and one, two, or three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur. Representative examples of monocyclic heterocycles include, but are not limited to, azetidinyl, azepanyl, aziridinyl, diazepanyl, 1,3-dioxanyl, 1,3-dioxolanyl, 1,3-dithiolanyl, 1,3-dithianyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, isothiazolinyl, isothiazolidinyl, isoxazolinyl, isoxazolidinyl, morpholinyl, oxadiazolinyl, oxadiazolidinyl, oxazolinyl, oxazolidinyl, phosphinane, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, pyranyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydropyridinyl, tetrahydropyrimidinyl, tetrahydrothienyl, thiadiazolinyl, thiadiazolidinyl, thiazolinyl, thiazolidinyl, thiomorpholinyl, 1,1-dioxidothiomorpholinyl (thiomorpholine sulfone), thiopyranyl, and trithianyl. The bicyclic heterocycle is a monocyclic heterocycle fused to a phenyl group, or a monocyclic heterocycle fused to a monocyclic cycloalkyl, or a monocyclic heterocycle fused to a monocyclic cycloalkenyl, or a monocyclic heterocycle fused to a monocyclic heterocycle, or a bridged monocyclic heterocycle ring system in which two non-adjacent atoms of the ring are linked by an alkylene bridge of 1, 2, 3, or 4 carbon atoms, or an alkenylene bridge of two, three, or four carbon atoms. Representative examples of bicyclic heterocycles include, but are not limited to, benzopyranyl, benzothiopyranyl, chromanyl, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuranyl, 2,3-dihydrobenzothienyl, azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl (including 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl), 2,3-dihydro-1H-indolyl, isoindolinyl, octahydrocyclopenta[c]pyrrolyl, octahydropyrrolopyridinyl, 9-phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane, 8-phosphabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, and tetrahydroisoquinolinyl. Tricyclic heterocycles are exemplified by a bicyclic heterocycle fused to a phenyl group, or a bicyclic heterocycle fused to a monocyclic cycloalkyl, or a bicyclic heterocycle fused to a monocyclic cycloalkenyl, or a bicyclic heterocycle fused to a monocyclic heterocycle, or a bicyclic heterocycle in which two non-adjacent atoms of the bicyclic ring are linked by an alkylene bridge of 1, 2, 3, or 4 carbon atoms, or an alkenylene bridge of two, three, or four carbon atoms. Examples of tricyclic heterocycles include, but are not limited to, octahydro-2,5-epoxypentalene, hexahydro-2H-2,5-methanocyclopenta[b]furan, hexahydro-1H-1,4-methanocyclopenta[c]furan, aza-admantane (1-azatricyclo[3.3.1.1^(3,7)]decane), oxa-adamantane (2-oxatricyclo[3.3.1.1^(3,7)]decane), and 2,4,6-trioxa-8-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]decane. The monocyclic, bicyclic, and tricyclic heterocycles are connected to the parent molecular moiety through any carbon atom or any nitrogen atom contained within the rings, and can be unsubstituted or substituted.

The term “hydroxyl” or “hydroxy” as used herein, means an —OH group.

The term “hydroxyalkoxy” as used herein, means an hydroxy group, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through an alkoxy group, as defined herein. Representative examples of hydroxyalkoxy include, but are not limited to, hydroxyethoxy, and 2-hydroxypropoxy.

The term “hydroxyalkyl” as used herein means at least one hydroxy group, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through an alkyl group, as defined herein. Representative examples of hydroxyalkyl include, but are not limited to, hydroxymethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-methyl-2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 2,3-dihydroxypentyl, and 2-ethyl-4-hydroxyheptyl.

The term “oxo” as used herein, means a ═O group.

The term “sulfamoyl” as used herein, means a —S(O)₂NH₂ group.

The term “sulfate” as used herein, means a Z¹OS(O)₂O—, wherein Z¹ is an optionally substituted alkyl, aryl, haloalkyl, or heteroaryl, as defined herein. Representative examples of sulfonate include, but are not limited to, methylsulfate, trifluoromethylsulfate, and phenylsulfate.

The term “sulfonamide” as used herein, means a Z¹S(O)₂NZ²— group, as defined herein, wherein Z¹ is an optionally substituted alkyl, aryl, haloalkyl, or heteroaryl as defined herein, and Z² is hydrogen or alkyl. Representative examples of sulfonamide include, but are not limited to, methanesulfonamide, trifluoromethanesulfonamide, and benzenesulfonamide.

The term “sulfonate” as used herein, means a Z¹S(O)₂O— group, as defined herein, wherein Z¹ is an optionally substituted alkyl, aryl, haloalkyl, or heteroaryl, as defined herein. Representative examples of sulfonamide include, but are not limited to, methanesulfonate, trifluoromethanesulfonate, 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonate and p-toluenesulfonate.

The term “thio” or “mercapto” means a —SH group.

The term “thioalkyl” as used herein, means at least one thio group, as defined herein, appended to the parent molecular moiety through an alkyl group, as defined herein. Representative examples of thioalkyl include, but are not limited to, thiomethyl or mercaptomethyl and, 2-thioethyl or 2-merc apto ethyl.

A substituent is “substitutable” if it comprises at least one carbon or nitrogen atom that is bonded to one or more hydrogen atoms. Thus, for example, hydrogen, halogen, and cyano do not fall within this definition. In addition, a sulfur atom in a heterocyclyl containing such atom is substitutable with one or two oxo substituents.

If a substituent is described as being “substituted”, a non-hydrogen radical is in the place of hydrogen radical on a carbon or nitrogen of the substituent. Thus, for example, a substituted alkyl substituent is an alkyl substituent in which at least one non-hydrogen radical is in the place of a hydrogen radical on the alkyl substituent. To illustrate, monofluoroalkyl is alkyl substituted with a fluoro radical, and difluoroalkyl is alkyl substituted with two fluoro radicals. It should be recognized that if there is more than one substitution on a substituent, each non-hydrogen radical may be identical or different (unless otherwise stated).

If a substituent is described as being “optionally substituted”, the substituent may be either (1) not substituted or (2) substituted. If a substituent is described as being optionally substituted with up to a particular number of non-hydrogen radicals, that substituent may be either (1) not substituted; or (2) substituted by up to that particular number of non-hydrogen radicals or by up to the maximum number of substitutable positions on the substituent, whichever is less. Thus, for example, if a substituent is described as a heteroaryl optionally substituted with up to 3 non-hydrogen radicals, then any heteroaryl with less than 3 substitutable positions would be optionally substituted by up to only as many non-hydrogen radicals as the heteroaryl has substitutable positions. To illustrate, tetrazolyl (which has only one substitutable position) would be optionally substituted with up to one non-hydrogen radical. To illustrate further, if an amino nitrogen is described as being optionally substituted with up to 2 non-hydrogen radicals, then a primary amino nitrogen will be optionally substituted with up to 2 non-hydrogen radicals, whereas a secondary amino nitrogen will be optionally substituted with up to only 1 non-hydrogen radical.

The terms “substituent” and “radical” are used interchangeably herein.

The prefix “halo” indicates that the substituent to which the prefix is attached is substituted with one or more independently selected halogen radicals. For example, haloalkyl means an alkyl substituent in which at least one hydrogen radical is replaced with a halogen radical. Examples of haloalkyls include chloromethyl, 1-bromoethyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, and 1,1,1-trifluoroethyl. It should be recognized that if a substituent is substituted by more than one halogen radical, those halogen radicals may be identical or different (unless otherwise stated).

The prefix “perhalo” indicates that every hydrogen radical on the substituent to which the prefix is attached is replaced with independently selected halogen radicals, i.e., each hydrogen radical on the substituent is replaced with a halogen radical. If all the halogen radicals are identical, the prefix typically will identify the halogen radical. Thus, for example, the term “perfluoro” means that every hydrogen radical on the substituent to which the prefix is attached is substituted with a fluorine radical. To illustrate, the term “perfluoroalkyl” means an alkyl substituent wherein a fluorine radical is in the place of each hydrogen radical.

A prefix attached to a multi-component substituent only applies to the first component. To illustrate, the term “alkylcycloalkyl” contains two components: alkyl and cycloalkyl. Thus, the C₁-C₆-prefix on C₁-C₆-alkylcycloalkyl means that the alkyl component of the alkylcycloalkyl contains from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; the C₁-C₆-prefix does not describe the cycloalkyl component. To illustrate further, the prefix “halo” on haloalkoxyalkyl indicates that only the alkoxy component of the alkoxyalkyl substituent is substituted with one or more halogen radicals. If halogen substitution may alternatively or additionally occur on the alkyl component, the substituent would instead be described as “halogen-substituted alkoxyalkyl” rather than “haloalkoxyalkyl.” If the halogen substitution may only occur on the alkyl component, the substituent would instead be described as “alkoxyhaloalkyl.”

If substituents are described as being “independently selected” from a group, each substituent is selected independent of the other. Each substituent, therefore, may be identical to or different from the other substituent(s).

When words are used to describe a substituent, the rightmost-described component of the substituent is the component that has the free valence.

E. Compositions

This disclosure also is directed, in part, to compositions comprising the disclosed compounds or salts thereof or polymorphs thereof, and compositions comprising compounds or salts thereof or polymorphs thereof prepared by the disclosed processes. In embodiments, N-(6-(3-tert-Butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl)methanesulfonamide (compound (A)) and its salts or polymorphs thereof prepared by the above processes may be used to prepare compositions. These compositions may also comprise one or more conventional pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants, and/or vehicles (together referred to as “excipients”).

Compositions may include solid dosage forms. Solid dosage forms may include, for example, capsules, tablets, pills, powders, granules or any other suitable solid dosage form. In such solid dosage forms, the compounds or salts may be combined with one or more excipients. If administered per os, the compounds or salts may be mixed with, for example, lactose, sucrose, starch powder, cellulose esters of alkanoic acids, cellulose alkyl esters, talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, magnesium oxide, sodium and calcium salts of phosphoric and sulfuric acids, gelatin, acacia gum, sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol or any other suitable excipient, and then tableted or encapsulated for convenient administration. Such capsules or tablets may contain a controlled-release formulation, as can be provided in, for example, a dispersion of the compound or salt in hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose. In the case of capsules, tablets, and pills, the dosage forms may also comprise buffering agents, such as sodium citrate, or magnesium or calcium carbonate, bicarbonate or any other suitable buffering agent. Tablets and pills additionally may be prepared with enteric coatings.

The compounds disclosed herein may be administered as a free acid or as a salt. The compounds or their salts may be administered (in single or divided doses) in a total daily dose of from about 0.001 to about 100 mg/kg, from about 0.001 to about 30 mg/kg, or from about 0.01 to about 10 mg/kg (i.e., mg of the compound or salt per kg body weight). Compound (A) or a salt thereof may be administered (in single or divided doses) at a total daily dose of from about 4 mg/kg to about 30 mg/kg or from about 10 mg/kg to about 25 mg/kg. Compound (A) or a salt thereof may be administered in a total daily dose amount of from about 600 mg to about 1800 mg or from about 800 mg to about 1600 mg. In an embodiment, compound (A) or a salt thereof is administered in a dosage unit composition of about 400 mg. In an embodiment, compound (A) or a salt thereof is administered in a dosage unit composition of about 800 mg. In an embodiment, compound (A) or a salt thereof is administered in a dosage unit composition of about 1200 mg.

Dosage unit compositions may contain such amounts or submultiples thereof to make up the total daily dose. The administration of the compound or salt may be repeated a plurality of times. Multiple doses per day may be used to achieve the total daily dose.

Factors affecting the dosage regimen include the type, age, weight, sex, diet, and condition of the patient; the severity of the pathological condition; the severity of the pathological condition; pharmacological considerations, such as the activity, efficacy, pharmacokinetic, and toxicology profiles of the particular compound or salt used; whether a drug delivery system is utilized; and the specific drug combination. Thus, the dosage regimen actually employed can vary widely, and therefore, can derive from the dosage regimen set forth above.

F. Methods of Use

This disclosure also is directed, in part, to methods of using the disclosed compounds or salts thereof or polymorphs thereof, compounds or salts thereof or polymorphs thereof prepared by the disclosed processes, compositions comprising the disclosed compounds or salts thereof or polymorphs thereof, and compositions comprising compounds or salts thereof or polymorphs thereof prepared by the disclosed processes.

For example, this disclosure is directed, in part, to methods of using the disclosed compounds, salts and compositions for inhibiting replication of an RNA virus. The methods comprise exposing the virus to a disclosed compound, salt or composition. In embodiments, replication of the RNA virus is inhibited in vitro. In embodiments, replication of the RNA virus is inhibited in vivo. In embodiments, the RNA virus whose replication is being inhibited is a single-stranded, positive sense RNA virus. In embodiments, the RNA virus whose replication is being inhibited is a virus from the Flaviviridae family. In embodiments, the RNA virus whose replication is being inhibited is HCV.

This disclosure is directed, in part, to methods of using the disclosed compounds, salts and compositions for inhibiting HCV RNA polymerase. The methods comprise exposing the polymerase to a disclosed compound, salt or composition. In some embodiments, HCV RNA polymerase activity is inhibited in vitro. In some embodiments, HCV RNA polymerase activity is inhibited in vivo.

The term “inhibiting” means reducing the level of RNA virus replication/HCV polymerase activity either in vitro or in vivo. For example, if a composition of the disclosure reduces the level of RNA virus replication by at least about 10% compared to the level of RNA virus replication before the virus was exposed to the composition, then the composition inhibits RNA virus replication. In some embodiments, the compound, salt or composition can inhibit RNA virus replication by at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95%.

This disclosure is directed, in part, to methods of using the disclosed compounds, salts and compositions for treating a disease that can be treated by inhibiting HCV RNA polymerase. Thus, this disclosure also is directed, in part, to a method for treating hepatitis C in an animal in need of such treatment. These methods comprise administering to the animal one or more of the disclosed compounds, salts and compositions. In some embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of the compound (or salt thereof) is administered to the animal “Treating” means ameliorating, suppressing, eradicating, preventing, reducing the risk of, and/or delaying the onset of the disease being treated. Applicants specifically intend that the term “treating” encompass administration of the compositions of the disclosure to an HCV-negative patient that is a candidate for an organ transplant. The methods of treatment are particularly suitable for use with humans, but may be used with other animals, particularly mammals. A “therapeutically-effective amount” or “effective amount” is an amount that will achieve the goal of treating the targeted condition.

In some embodiments, the methods comprise combination therapy, wherein a compound, salt, and/or composition of the disclosure is co-administered with one or more additional therapeutic agents, such as, for example, another therapeutic agent used to treat hepatitis C (e.g., interferon or interferon/ribavirin combination, or an HCV inhibitor such as, for example, an HCV polymerase inhibitor or an HCV protease inhibitor). The compound, salts, and/or compositions of this disclosure can also be co-administered with therapeutic agents other than therapeutic agents used to treat hepatitis C (e.g., anti-HIV agents). In these co-administration embodiments, the compound, salts, and/or compositions of the disclosure and the additional therapeutic agent(s) may be administered in a substantially simultaneous manner (e.g., or within about 5 minutes of each other), in a sequential manner, or both. It is contemplated that such combination therapies may include administering one therapeutic agent multiple times between the administrations of the other. The time period between the administration of each agent may range from a few seconds (or less) to several hours or days, and will depend on, for example, the properties of each composition and active ingredient (e.g., potency, solubility, bioavailability, half-life, and kinetic profile), as well as the condition of the patient.

This disclosure also is directed, in part, to use of the disclosed compounds, salts, and/or compositions, and, optionally one or more additional therapeutic agents to prepare a medicament. For example, N-(6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl)methanesulfonamide (compound (A)) made by disclosed processes can be used in the manufacture of a medicament.

In embodiments, the medicament is for co-administration with one or more additional therapeutic agents.

In embodiments, the medicament is for inhibiting replication of an RNA virus such as HCV.

In embodiments, the medicament is for inhibiting HCV RNA polymerase.

In embodiments, the medicament is for treating hepatitis C.

This disclosure also is directed, in part, to the disclosed compounds, salts, and/or compositions, and, optionally one or more additional therapeutic agents, for use in inhibiting replication of an RNA virus, for inhibiting HCV RNA polymerase, or for treating hepatitis C.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are merely illustrative, and not limiting to this disclosure in any way.

Abbreviations which have been used in the descriptions of the Schemes and Examples that follow are: DMF for N,N-dimethylformamide; DMSO for dimethyl sulfoxide; HPLC for high performance liquid chromatography; Me for methyl; pa % for peak area %; Pd₂dba₃ for tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0); v/v for volume/volume; wt for weight; w/w for weight/weight.

Example 1 Preparation of 1-(3-tert-butyl-5-iodo-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (compound (1c)) Part A. Preparation of 2-tert-butyl-4,6-diiodophenol

2-tert-Butylphenol (99.95 g, 665.36 mmol) was dissolved in 1250 mL methanol and converted to the corresponding phenoxide with 31.96 g (799.0 mmol, 1.2 equivalents) of sodium hydroxide by stirring the sodium hydroxide pellets at room temperature, and then cooling the reaction mixture in an ice/salt bath. Sodium iodide (299.34 g, 1997.07 mmol, 3.0 equivalents) and 8.3% bleach (1265.83 g, 1411.39 mmol, 2.1 equivalents) were added to the cold reaction solution in four equal portions, the bleach being added while keeping the reaction mixture at <0° C. 500 mL of 20% (w/w) sodium thiosulfate solution was added over an 18 minute period, with the temperature rising from −0.6° C. to 2.5° C. The pH of the reaction mixture was adjusted to approximately 3 by adding 197.5 mL of concentrated HCl over a period of 97 minutes with the reaction temperature going from 1.2° C. to 4.1° C. The resulting slurry was filtered, and the wet cake washed with approximately 2 L of water. The wet cake was left on the Buchner funnel under vacuum overnight (approximately 15 hours) to yield 289.33 g (potency adjusted yield=254.61 g) of the title product.

Part B. Preparation of 1-tert-butyl-3,5-diiodo-2-methoxybenzene

The product from Part A (93% assay, 21.6 g, 50 mmol) was dissolved in 140 mL of acetone. Methyl iodide (4.2 mL, 67.5 mmol, 1.35 equivalents) was added, followed by 50% aqueous sodium hydroxide (5.0 g, 62.5 mmol, 1.25 equivalents). The reaction was stirred overnight, then concentrated to approximately 50-60 mL. 80 mL of heptanes were added followed by 50 mL of water, and the layers were shaken and separated, and the aqueous layer was back extracted with 20 mL of heptanes. The organic layers were combined and washed twice with 50 mL each of 10% aqueous NaCl to afford 91.1 grams of a heptane solution, which assayed to 19.1 g of the title compound.

Part C. Preparation of 1-(3-tert-butyl-5-iodo-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Uracil (33.3 g, 297 mmol, 1.2 equivalents), K₃PO₄ (106 g, 500 mmol, 2.1 equivalents), CuI (4.6 g, 24.2 mmol, 0.1 equivalents), and N-(2-cyanophenyl)picolinamide (6.4 g, 28.7 mmol, 0.12 equivalents) were charged to a flask, and the mixture was sparged with argon. The 1-tert-butyl-3,5-diiodo-2-methoxybenzene was solvent switched into acetonitrile, dissolved in 1 L dimethyl sulfoxide and sparged with argon and added to the solids. The reaction was heated to 60° C. for 16 hours. After cooling, the reaction was diluted with 2 L ethyl acetate and washed with 2.6 L water (back extracted with 3×1 L ethyl acetate). The combined organic layers were washed with 2×1 L of 0.25 M copper(II)acetate then 2×830 mL of 15% NH₄Cl and then 800 mL of brine. The organic layer was then concentrated and chased with 1 L heptane, then triturated with refluxing 85:15 (v/v) heptane:isopropyl acetate for 4 hours. After cooling, the product was collected by filtration and washed with an additional 330 mL of 85:15 v/v heptanes:ethyl acetate to yield after drying 66.9 g (70% yield) of the title compound as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ ppm 8.66 (s, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 1H), 7.25 (dd, J=4.8, 3.2 Hz, 2H), 5.81 (dd, J=7.9, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 1.39 (s, 9H).

Example 2 Preparation of 1-(3-tert-butyl-5-(6-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (compound (4))

This reaction is sensitive to oxygen, and so all vessels were sealed with rubber septa. All solution transfers were accomplished by cannula technique using nitrogen as the inert gas. Anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was sparged with nitrogen gas for 2 hours prior to use to render it anaerobic. Hereafter this is referred to as degassed tetrahydrofuran.

A 100-mL round-bottom flask was charged with 12.9 g of potassium phosphate tribasic (60.8 mmol, 2.0 equivalents), a magnetic stir bar, and 60 mL of water. The mixture was stirred to dissolve the solids, and the aqueous solution was sparged with nitrogen gas for 2 hours prior to use. Hereafter this is referred to as the phosphate solution.

A 100-mL round-bottom flask was purged with nitrogen gas and charged with 282 mg of tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) (0.31 mmol, 0.02 equivalents Pd), 413 mg of phosphine ligand, 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-8-phenyl-2,4,6-trioxa-8-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.1^(3,7)]decane (1.4 mmol, 2.3 equivalents relative to Pd) and a magnetic stir bar. The flask was sealed with a septum and the atmosphere above the solids was purged with nitrogen gas. Sixty mL of degassed tetrahydrofuran was added to the flask and the mixture was stirred under a nitrogen atmosphere. This solution was sparged for 15 minutes prior to use and is hereafter referred to as the catalyst solution.

A 500-mL jacketed reactor was equipped with an overhead stirrer and reflux condenser and the atmosphere was purged with nitrogen gas. The reactor was charged with 12.1 g of 1-(3-tert-butyl-5-iodo-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione, (30.3 mmol, 1.0 equivalent) and 5.98 g of 6-hydroxynaphthalen-2-ylboronic acid (31.8 mmol, 1.05 equivalents). The atmosphere was purged with nitrogen gas with stirring of the solid reagents for 20 minutes. The reactor was charged with 120 mL of degassed tetrahydrofuran, and the mixture was stirred to dissolve the solids. The solution was sparged with nitrogen gas for 10 minutes. The phosphate solution was added to the reactor by cannula, followed by the catalyst solution. The resulting biphasic mixture was stirred aggressively to ensure adequate phase mixing, and the jacket was warmed to 65° C. The reaction jacket was cooled to room temperature prior to quench.

After 2.5 hours, the reaction jacket was cooled to room temperature prior to quench.

The workup of the reaction was also conducted under anaerobic conditions. Fifty-seven grams of sodium chloride and 4.2 g of cysteine (15 weight equivalents relative to palladium catalyst) were dissolved in 300 mL of water, and the resulting solution was sparged for 2 hours prior to use. To quench the reaction, approximately ⅓ of this solution was transferred to the reaction mixture by cannula under nitrogen gas and the resulting biphasic mixture was stirred vigorously for 2 hours. The mechanical agitation was halted, the two solutions were allowed to separate, and the aqueous solution was drained out of the reactor through the bottom valve. Approximately ⅓ of the quench solution was transferred to the reaction mixture by cannula under nitrogen gas and the resulting biphasic mixture was stirred vigorously for 45 minutes. The mechanical agitation was halted, the two solutions were allowed to separate, and the aqueous solution was drained out of the reactor through the bottom valve. The final portion of the quench solution was transferred to the reaction mixture by cannula, the resulting biphasic mixture was stirred vigorously for 45 minutes and the aqueous solution was drained out of the reactor through the bottom valve.

The remainder of the workup was not conducted under anaerobic conditions. The pale yellow organic solution was drained from the reactor through the bottom valve and filtered over a pad of grade 4 Filtrol® (1 cm deep by 4.5 cm diameter). The reactor and filter cake were rinsed with 70 mL of tetrahydrofuran. The bulk of the solvent was distilled in vacuo (ca 90-130 torr) at ca 40° C. with good agitation from an overhead stirrer. The solution was concentrated to approximately 50 mL volume, during which time the product began to precipitate out. Ethyl acetate (100 mL, 8 volume/weight relative to product) was added to the mixture, and the resultant slurry was stirred overnight at room temperature. The crystalline material was isolated by filtration and the filter cake was washed twice with 20 mL portions of ethyl acetate. The wet-cake was air-dried on the filter and dried in a vacuum oven at 50° C. at approximately 250 torr with a gentle nitrogen sweep overnight.

The desired product was isolated as a white solid (11.6 g, 96.4% potency vs. standard, 88% potency-adjusted yield). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ ppm δ 11.39 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 9.82 (s, 1H), 7.91 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 1H), 7.77-7.74 (m, 2H), 7.58 (dd, J=8.5, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.27 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.16 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.10 (dd, J=8.8, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 5.64 (dd, J=7.9, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 3.23 (s, 3H), 1.41 (s, 9H).

Example 3 Preparation of 6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonate (compound (5a))

A reactor was equipped with an overhead stirrer in the central neck and charged with 45.0 g of 1-(3-tert-butyl-5-(6-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (97.8 weight %, 106 mmol, 1.0 equivalent) and 21.9 g of 325 mesh potassium carbonate (159 mmol, 1.5 equivalents). The atmosphere was purged with nitrogen gas while the solids were stirred. The flask was charged with 445 mL of N,N-dimethylformamide, and the slurry was stirred to dissolve the 1-(3-tert-butyl-5-(6-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione. The purge was stopped and the reaction was conducted under a slight positive pressure of nitrogen gas. Perfluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride (35.2 g, 117 mmol, 1.1 equivalents) was added in one portion, and the mixture was stirred vigorously to mix the immiscible liquids overnight.

The inorganic solids were separated by filtration, and the flask and filter cake were rinsed with approximately 30 mL of N,N-dimethylformamide. The N,N-dimethylformamide solution was filtered directly into a second flask with an overhead stirrer. With stirring, 112 g of water (25 weight % of total N,N-dimethylformamide employed) was added to the N,N-dimethylformamide solution of product over approximately 0.5 hour to induce precipitation of the desired product, and the mixture was allowed to stir for 5 hours. The wet-cake was isolated by filtration with recirculation of the liquors to recover all the solids. The wet-cake was washed with 60 mL of 25% (v/v) water/N,N-dimethylformamide, then 85 mL water.

The solids were dissolved in 760 mL of isopropyl acetate. The resultant organic solution was washed once with 200 mL of water, twice with 270 mL portions of water and once with 200 mL of water to remove residual N,N-dimethylformamide. Solvent was removed by distillation at approximately 130 ton with heating to 55° C. until the total volume was approximately 200 mL. With efficient stirring, heptane (450 mL) was added to the warm (55° C.) slurry. The slurry was allowed to cool to room temperature overnight with stirring. The desired product was isolated by filtration, with recycling of the liquors to isolate all of the solids material. The wet-cake was washed twice with 100 mL portions of 20% (v/v) isopropyl acetate/heptane. The wet-cake was air-dried on the filter and dried in a vacuum oven at 50° C. at approximately 250 torr with a gentle nitrogen sweep overnight. The title compound was isolated as a white solid (64.0 g, 100% potency vs. standard, 87% yield). ¹H NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ ppm 11.42 (s, 1H), 8.21-8.15 (m, 4H), 7.84 (dd, J=8.6, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.77 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (dd, J=9.0, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.35 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 5.66 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 3.21 (s, 3H), 1.41 (s, 9H).

Example 3-1 Alternative Preparation of 6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonate (compound (5a))

A 250-L, 3-neck round-bottom flask equipped with an overhead stirrer was charged with 10 g of 1-(3-tert-butyl-5-(6-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (98 wt %, 23.5 mmol, 1.0 equiv) and 6.5 g of milled potassium carbonate (325 mesh, 47.1 mmol, 2.0 equiv). Acetonitrile (MeCN, 60 mL, 6 volumes with respect to naphthol) and dimethylformamide (dimethylformide, 40 mL, 4 volumes with respect to naphthol) was charged to the reactor and the slurry was stirred. Perfluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride (96 wt %, 8.3 g, 26 mmol, 1.1 equiv) was charged to the well-stirred mixture over 60 minutes by syringe pump. A trace (<0.1 area %) of starting material was detected by HPLC analysis of an aliquot at 20 minutes reaction time. The acetonitrile/dimethylformamide solution was filtered over a coarse fritted funnel to separate the inorganic solids, and the flask and filter was rinsed with 15 mL of 3:2 (v/v) acetonitrile/dimethylformamide. The total mass of solvents employed was approximately 92 g.

First crystallization: The acetonitrile/dimethylformamide solution was transferred to a 3-neck flask equipped with an overhead stirrer. Water (50 g, 54 wt % with respect to total solution charged) was added to the well-stirred solution over 100 minutes. This adjusts the solvent composition to 35 wt % water. During the addition of water the mixture self-seeded, and the solution was held for approximately 1 hour after complete addition of water. The solids were isolated by filtration, and the wetcake was washed with two 30 mL portions of a rinse solution of 40 wt % water/27 wt % dimethylformamide/33 wt % acetonitrile and then once with 40 mL of water.

Aqueous washing: A 500-L jacketed cylindrical reactor equipped with an overhead stirrer and Teflon baffle to aid in vertical mixing was charged with the wetcake and 133 g of ethyl acetate (8× theoretical mass of product, 150 mL). The mixture was stirred to dissolve the substrate and the solution was washed twice with 40 mL portions of water.

Concentration and crystallization: A constant-volume distillation was conducted with heptanes, in vacuo (ca 100 mmHg, jacket temperature of 50° C.), to adjust the solvent composition to approximately 12 wt % ethyl acetate/88 wt % heptanes. During the distillation, solids begin to crystallize out of the solution. Once the distillation was complete, the solution was cooled to ambient temperature (23° C.). The solids were isolated by filtration and the wet cake was washed with a 50-mL portions heptane. The wet cake was dried to give the final product (14.0 g). The solids were 98.1% pure by HPLC analysis and 100% potent vs. reference standard, for an isolated yield of 85%.

Example 4 Preparation of N-(6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl)methanesulfonamide (compound (A))

A 3-L, 3-neck, round-bottom flask was equipped with an overhead stirrer, a thermocouple, a Claisen condenser and a reflux condenser. Tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) (0.330 g, 0.360 mmol), di-tert-butyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,4,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphine (0.416 g, 0.864 mmol) and milled potassium phosphate tribasic (21.0 g, 99.0 mmol) were charged to the 3-L flask. The flask was purged with argon for not less than 90 minutes with constant stirring of the solids. t-Amyl alcohol (250 ml) was purged with argon for not less than 30 minutes and was transferred to the 3-L flask using a cannula under argon atmosphere. The contents of the 3-L flask were heated to 80° C. and stirred at this temperature for 30 minutes. A 1-L round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar was charged with 6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonate (62.9 g, 90 mmol), methanesulfonamide (12.85 g, 135 mmol) and t-amyl alcohol (505 mL), purged with argon and heated to 60° C. The reaction mixture was stirred under argon for not less than 30 minutes. A clear yellow solution was observed. This solution was transferred to the 3-L flask using a cannula under argon atmosphere. The temperature of the 3-L flask was raised to 85° C. and the contents were stirred for 14 hours under a positive pressure of argon. The temperature was then raised to 95° C. and the contents were stirred for an additional 4 hours under a positive pressure of argon. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool down to room temperature, diluted with tetrahydrofuran (2200 mL) and water (800 mL) and was transferred to a 6-L separatory funnel. The organic layer was washed thrice with water (2000 mL) containing L-cysteine (17.3 g) and NaCl (235 g). The organic layer was collected, filtered through a pad of diatomaceous earth and was concentrated in vacuo to approximately 250 mL. Ethyl acetate (775 mL) was added over 7 hours with stirring, and the mixture was allowed to stir for an additional 14 hours. White solid was isolated by filtration, and the solid was washed with ethyl acetate (1000 mL). The solid was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (1500 mL) and filtered through a pad of diatomaceous earth to obtain a clear solution. The diatomaceous earth was washed with tetrahydrofuran (300 mL). The combined tetrahydrofuran solution was concentrated in vacuo to approximately 250 mL, and then ethyl acetate (775 mL) was added over 7 hours with stirring. The product solution was allowed to stir for an additional 14 hours. White solid was isolated by filtration. The solid was washed with ethyl acetate (1000 mL) and dried in a vacuum oven at 60° C. for 24 hours. The solid was slurried in 308 mL of 200 proof ethanol for 1.5 hours, then isolated by filtration. The solid was washed with 132 mL of 200 proof ethanol and dried in a vacuum oven at 50° C. for 18 hours. The title compound was isolated as a white solid (32.6 g, 100% potency vs. standard, 73% yield). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ ppm 11.41 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 10.04 (s, 1H), 8.02 (d, J=0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.98-7.91 (m, 2H), 7.79 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.69 (dd, J=8.5, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (dd, J=8.8, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.31 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 5.65 (dd, J=7.9, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 3.24 (s, 3H), 3.08 (s, 3H), 1.42 (s, 9H).

Other ligands such as 2,2,7,7-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphepane; 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-8-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,6-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; and 8-(2-(2-methoxynaphthalen-1-yl)phenyl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane were tested under the conditions described above and produced favorable yields of greater than 50% of the sulfonamidated product.

TABLE 1 Alternative Ligands for Sulfonamidation Pd (mol %) Ligand (mol %) 1 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-8-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)-1,4- dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane (1.2) 1 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2- yl)phosphinane (1.2) 1 8,8,10,10-tetramethyl-9-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)-1,5- dioxa-9-phosphaspiro[5.5]undecane (1.2) 1 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2- yl)phosphinan-4-ol (1.2) 1 8-(2′,6′-diisopropoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4- dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane (1.2) 1 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-8-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)-2,4,6- trioxa-8-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.1^(3,7)]decane (1.2) 1 8-(2′,6′-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa- 8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane 1 6-methoxy-N,N-dimethyl-2′-(7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8- phosphaspiro[4.5]decan-8-yl)biphenyl-2-amine 1 8-(2′-methoxy-1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4- dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane 1 8-(1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8- phosphaspiro[4.5]decane 1 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-8-(2-(naphthalen-1-yl)phenyl)-1,4-dioxa-8- phosphaspiro[4.5]decane 1 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-8-(2-(naphthalen-2-yl)phenyl)-1,4-dioxa-8- phosphaspiro[4.5]decane

Example 4-1 Alternative Preparation of N-(6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl)methanesulfonamide (compound (A))

A 450-mL, stainless steel Parr pressure reactor equipped with an overhead stirrer was charged with tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) (0.131 g, 0.143 mmol), di-tert-butyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,6-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)phosphine (0.167 g, 0.344 mmol) and milled potassium phosphate tribasic (6.69 g, 31.5 mmol). The flask was purged with argon for not less than 90 minutes. Tetrahydrofuran (90 mL) was taken in a 100-mL round bottom flask, purged with argon for not less than 30 minutes and was transferred to the 450-mL reactor using a cannula under argon atmosphere. The contents of the 450-mL reactor were heated to 80° C. and stirred at this temperature for 30 minutes. A 250-mL, round-bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar was charged with 6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl-1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonate (20.0 g, 28.6 mmol), methanesulfonamide (3.27 g, 34.4 mmol) and tetrahydrofuran (160 mL), purged with argon for not less than 45 minutes. A clear yellow solution was observed. This solution was transferred to the 450-mL reactor that has been cooled to the room temperature using a cannula under argon atmosphere. The temperature of the 450-mL flask was raised to 90° C. and the contents were stirred for 20 hours. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool down to 50° C., diluted with tetrahydrofuran (70 mL) and water (70 mL) containing L-cysteine (0.875 g) and sodium chloride (7.7 g). The contents were stirred for 2 hours at 50° C. The aqueous layer was discarded and the organic layer was filtered through approximately 2 inch pad of diatomaceous earth and rinsed with tetrahydrofuran (45 mL) to obtain a clear, light yellow solution. The total weight of reaction mixture was 363.43 g. HPLC analysis of the reaction mixture revealed 13.71 g (97%) of the title compound was present in the reaction mixture. A portion of the reaction mixture (50 g) was concentrated to a final volume of 12-14 mL under vacuum. Ethyl acetate (45 mL) was added slowly and the reaction mixture was stirred over night at room temperature to obtain white slurry. Product was collected by filtration, washed with ethyl acetate (7 mL) and dried overnight in a vacuum oven at 50-60° C. to obtain 2.02 g of white solid. Ethanol (14 mL) was added to the solid and stirred overnight at the room temperature. The product was collected by filtration, washed with ethanol (4 mL) and dried overnight in a vacuum oven at 50-60° C. to obtain ethanol solvate of the title compound (1.79 g, 95.4%, 99.53% pure by HPLC vs. standard).

Example 4-2 Alternative Preparation of N-(6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl)methanesulfonamide (compound (A))

A 450-mL, stainless steel Parr pressure reactor equipped with an overhead stirrer was charged with tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) (0.105 g, 0.115 mmol), di-tert-butyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,6-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)phosphine (0.133 g, 0.275 mmol) and milled potassium phosphate tribasic (5.35 g, 25.2 mmol). The flask was purged with argon for not less than 90 minutes. 2-Methyl-tetrahydrofuran (70 mL) was taken in a 100-mL round bottom flask, purged with argon for not less than 30 minutes and was transferred to the 450-mL reactor using a cannula under argon atmosphere. The contents of the 450-mL reactor were heated to 80° C. and stirred at this temperature for 30 minutes. A 250-mL, round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar was charged with 6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl-1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonate (16.0 g, 22.9 mmol), methanesulfonamide (2.61 g, 27.5 mmol) and 2-methyl-tetrahydrofuran (155 mL), purged with argon for not less than 60 minutes. This solution was transferred to the 450-mL reactor that has been cooled to the room temperature using a cannula under argon atmosphere. The temperature of the 450-mL flask was raised to 90° C. and the contents were stirred for 14 hours. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool down to 70° C., diluted with ethyl acetate (190 mL) and stirred for 3 hours at 70° C., cooled to the room temperature, stirred for an additional 4 hours, filtered through a fine frit filter funnel and rinsed with ethyl acetate (90 mL) to obtain 29.4 g of light brown solid. A portion of this solid (13.04 g) was transferred to a 500-mL, 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with an overhead stirred and a thermocouple. Tetrahydrofuran (175 mL) was added, followed by the addition of water 50 mL containing L-cysteine (0.63 g) and sodium chloride (5.5 g). The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours at 50° C. under a slightly positive pressure of argon. The reaction mixture was transferred to a 500-mL separatory funnel and the aqueous layer was discarded. The organic layer was filtered through approximately 2 inch pad of diatomaceous earth and rinsed with tetrahydrofuran (45 mL) to obtain a clear, light yellow solution. The organic layer was concentrated to a total weight of 45.59 g. A portion of this organic solution (41.58 g) was charged to a 250-mL, 3-neck round bottom flask fitted with an overhead stirrer and a slow addition pump. Ethyl acetate (80 mL) was added over 6 hours with constant stirring at room temperature. The product was collected by filtration, rinsed with ethyl acetate (20 mL) and dried in a vacuum oven for 2 hours to obtain 3.17 of the title compound (>99.8 pure and 94.6% potent vs. standard).

Example 4-3 Alternative Preparation of N-(6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl)methanesulfonamide (compound (A))

A 450-mL, stainless steel Parr pressure reactor equipped with an overhead stirrer was charged with tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) (0.131 g, 0.143 mmol), di-tert-butyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,6-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)phosphine (0.167 g, 0.344 mmol) and milled potassium phosphate tribasic (6.69 g, 31.5 mmol). The flask was purged with argon for not less than 90 minutes. Ethyl acetate (80 mL) was taken in a 100-mL, round bottom flask, purged with argon for not less than 30 minutes and was transferred to the 450-mL reactor using a cannula under argon atmosphere. The contents of the 450-mL reactor were heated to 80° C. and stirred at this temperature for 30 minutes. A 250-mL round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar was charged with 6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonate (20.0 g, 22.9 mmol), methanesulfonamide (3.27 g, 34.4 mmol) and ethyl acetate (160 mL), purged with argon for not less than 60 minutes while stirring at 50° C. This solution was transferred to the 450-mL reactor that has been cooled to the room temperature using a cannula under argon atmosphere. The temperature of the 450-mL flask was raised to 90° C. and the contents were stirred for 15 hours. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool down to the room temperature, filtered and rinsed with ethyl acetate (120 mL). Solid (26.76 g) was obtained after drying the solid for 2 hours on high vacuum.

Example 5 Preparation of the sodium salt of N-(6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl)methanesulfonamide (compound (As))

A solution of 2-propanol and water was prepared by combining 18.5 g of water and 512 g of 2-propanol. Hereafter, this solution is referred to as the “antisolvent solution.”

A solution of 2-propanol and water was prepared by combining 23.94 g of water and 564 g of 2-propanol. This solution was cooled in a refrigerator prior to use. Hereafter, this solution is referred to as the “chilled wash solution.”

A jacketed reactor was equipped with an overhead stirrer and charged with 32.0 g (64.8 mmol) of N-(6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl)methanesulfonamide and 105.9 g of dimethyl sulfoxide. With stirring the mixture was heated to an internal temperature of 68° C. A solution of 2.66 g of sodium hydroxide (66.5 mmol, 1.026 equiv) in 16 g of water was added to the reactor over several minutes, followed by 12.4 g of 2-propanol while maintaining the internal temperature at 68° C. Antisolvent solution (24.5 g) was added to the reactor while maintaining the internal temperature at 68° C. A slurry of 0.32 g of seed crystals of the final product in 22.8 g of antisolvent solution was added to the reactor, followed by a 2.6 g rinse of the flask with antisolvent solution. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1.5 hours while maintaining the internal temperature at 68° C. Antisolvent solution (354 g) was added to the reactor over 7 hours while maintaining the internal temperature at 68° C. The contents of the reactor were cooled to an internal temperature of 0° C. over 7 hours and then mixed at 0° C. for 7 hours. The solids were isolated by filtration and washed with 252 g of the chilled wash solution. The isolated solids were dried in a vacuum oven at 50° C. for 19 hours. The title compound was isolated as a white solid (30.7 g, 92% potency vs. free acid standard, 57.2 mmol free acid equivalent, 88% yield). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ ppm 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.72 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (dd, J=8.8, 2.2 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (dd, J=8.5, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.27 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 2H), 7.21 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.06 (dd, J=8.8, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 5.62 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 3.24 (s, 3H), 2.68 (s, 3H), 1.40 (s, 9H).

Overall, the process demonstrated in this application provides the desired product with a cleaner impurity profile than the previously disclosed process (International Patent Publication No. WO 2009/039127) both in terms of gross impurities and trace impurities that were of concern for their genotoxic potential.

All references (patent and non-patent) cited above are incorporated by reference into this patent application. The discussion of those references is intended merely to summarize assertions made by their authors. No admission is made that any reference (or a portion of a reference) is relevant prior art (or prior art at all). Applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of the cited references. 

1. A process for preparing N-(6-(3-tert-butyl-5-(2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)-2-methoxyphenyl)naphthalen-2-yl)methanesulfonamide (compound (A)) or a salt thereof, wherein the process comprises: sulfonamidating compound (5):

wherein R^(1a) is selected from the group consisting of p-tolyl, phenyl, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, perfluorobutyl, perfluoropentyl, perfluorohexyl, perfluorooctyl and isomers and homologs thereof.
 2. The process of claim 1, wherein R^(1a) is perfluorobutyl.
 3. The process of claim 1, wherein compound (5) is sulfonamidated using a transition metal catalyst precursor and ligand.
 4. The process of claim 3, wherein the ligand is a phosphine.
 5. The process of claim 4, wherein the phosphine ligand is a ligand of formula (I)

or a salt thereof, wherein Ar¹ and Ar² are each independently aryl or heteroaryl, and wherein Ar¹ and Ar² are each independently optionally substituted with one or more R¹ and R², respectively; R¹ and R² are independently selected at each occurrence from the group consisting of hydrogen; amino; hydroxyl; cyano; halo; alkyl; alkenyl; alkynyl; haloalkyl; haloalkoxy; oxoalkyl; alkoxy; alkylamino; dialkylamino; cycloalkyl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; cycloalkyloxy optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; phenyl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; hydroxyalkyl; hydroxyalkoxy; alkoxyalkyl; aminoalkyl; N-alkylaminoalkyl; N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl; N,N,N-trialkylammoniumalkyl; L¹-C(O)—OR^(1′), L¹-P(O)—(OR^(1′))₂, or L¹-S(O)₂—OR^(1′), wherein L¹ is a bond or alkylene, and R^(1′) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl and hydroxyalkyl; L²-O—C(O)—R^(2′), wherein L² is a bond or alkylene, and R^(2′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; L³-C(O)—NR^(3′)R^(4′) wherein L³ is a bond or alkylene, and R^(3′) and R^(4′) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and hydroxyalkyl; L⁴-NR^(5′)—C(O)—R^(6′), wherein L⁴ is a bond or alkylene, R^(5′) is hydrogen or alkyl, and R^(6′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; sulfamoyl; N-(alkyl)sulfamoyl; N,N-(dialkyl)sulfamoyl; sulfonamide; sulfate; alkylthio; thioalkyl; and a ring containing an alkylene or —O—(CH₂)_(m)—O— formed by the joining together of any two R¹ or any two R² or an R¹ and an R², wherein m is 1, 2, 3 or 4; X is a phosphine of formula (Ia):

wherein ring A is a monocyclic heterocyclic ring, bicyclic heterocyclic ring, or tricyclic heterocyclic ring, and wherein ring A includes 0 to 9 ring atoms in addition to the phosphorus and 2 carbon ring atoms of formula (Ia), wherein said ring atoms are each independently selected from the group consisting of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur; or X is a phosphine of formula (Ib):

or X is a phosphine fused to Ar¹ to give a compound of formula (Ic):

wherein, ring B is a phosphorus heterocyclic ring with 0 to 5 ring atoms in addition to the phosphorous and carbon ring atoms of formula (I-c), wherein said ring atoms are each independently selected from the group consisting of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur, and wherein the ring atoms of ring A and ring B are each independently optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of alkenyl; alkoxy; alkoxyalkyl; alkyl; alkylamino; alkylthio; alkynyl; aminoalkyl; N-alkylaminoalkyl; N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl; N,N,N-trialkylammoniumalkyl; arylalkyl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; cycloalkyl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; dialkylamino; halo; haloalkyl; fluoroalkyl; C₅₋₆ heteroaryl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; heterocycloalkyl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; hydroxy; hydroxyalkyl; oxo; an exocyclic double bond optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl; a 3- to 7-membered spiro ring containing zero, one, or two heteroatoms; phenyl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; L¹-C(O)—OR^(1′), L¹-P(O)—(OR^(1′))₂, or L¹-S(O)₂—OR^(1′), wherein L¹ is a bond or alkylene, and R^(1′) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; L²-O—C(O)—R^(2′), wherein L² is a bond or alkylene, and R^(2′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; L³-C(O)—NR^(3′)R^(4′), wherein L³ is a bond or alkylene, and R^(3′) and R^(4′) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and hydroxyalkyl; L⁴-NR^(5′)—C(O)—R^(6′), wherein L⁴ is a bond or alkylene, R^(5′) is hydrogen or alkyl, and R^(6′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; and L⁷-NR^(8′)—S(O)₂—R^(9′), wherein L⁷ is a bond or alkylene, R^(8′) is hydrogen or alkyl, and R^(9′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; R^(P) is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, wherein R^(P) is optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; or R^(P) is a bridging group between the phosphorus and another B ring atom, wherein R^(P) is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, and —(CR⁴¹R⁴²—O)_(q)—, wherein R⁴¹ and R⁴² are each independently hydrogen or alkyl, and wherein q is 1 or 2, and wherein R^(P) is optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; as to R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², and R¹³, i. R¹⁰ or R¹¹ together with R¹² or R¹³ form a ring; or ii. R¹⁰ and R¹¹ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a spirocyclic ring and/or R¹² and R¹³ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a spirocyclic ring; or iii. one or more of R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹² and R¹³ form a ring together with a ring substituent of ring A; wherein, if any of substituents R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², and R¹³ do not form a ring, said substituents are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; alkyl; alkenyl; haloalkyl; alkynyl; oxoalkyl; cycloalkyl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; heterocyclyl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; C₅₋₆ heteroaryl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; phenyl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; hydroxyalkyl; alkoxyalkyl; aminoalkyl; N-alkylaminoalkyl; N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl; N,N,N-trialkylammoniumalkyl; thioalkyl; L¹³-C(O)—OR^(14′), L¹³-P(O)—(OR^(14′))₂, or L¹³-S(O)₂—OR^(14′), wherein L¹³ is a bond or alkylene, and R^(14′) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl and hydroxyalkyl; L¹⁵-O—C(O)—R^(16′), wherein L¹⁵ is alkylene and R^(16′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; L¹⁷-C(O)—NR^(18′)R^(19′), wherein L¹⁷ is a bond or alkylene, and R^(18′) and R^(19′) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and hydroxyalkyl; and L²⁰-NR^(21′)—C(O)—R^(22′), wherein L²⁰ is alkylene, R^(21′) is hydrogen or alkyl, and R^(22′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; and as to R¹⁴ and R¹⁵, R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a spirocyclic ring; or one or more of R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ form a ring together with a ring atom or ring substituent of ring B, wherein, if any of substituents R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ do not form a ring, said substituents are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; alkyl; alkenyl; haloalkyl; alkynyl; oxoalkyl; cycloalkyl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl; heterocyclyl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; C₅₋₆ heteroaryl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; phenyl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, halo, haloalkyl or haloalkoxy; hydroxyalkyl; alkoxyalkyl; aminoalkyl; N-alkylaminoalkyl; N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl; N,N,N-trialkylammoniumalkyl; thioalkyl; L¹³-C(O)—OR^(14′), L¹³-P(O)—(OR^(14′))₂, or L¹³-S(O)₂—OR^(14′) wherein L¹³ is a bond or alkylene, and R^(14′) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl and hydroxyalkyl; L¹⁵-O—C(O)—R^(16′) wherein L¹⁵ is alkylene, and R^(16′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl; L¹⁷-C(O)—NR^(18′)R^(19′), wherein L¹⁷ is a bond or alkylene and R^(18′) and R^(19′) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, and hydroxyalkyl; and L²⁰-NR^(21′)—C(O)—R^(22′), wherein L²⁰ is alkylene, R^(21′) is hydrogen or alkyl, and R^(22′) is alkyl or hydroxyalkyl.
 6. The process of claim 5, wherein the ligand is selected from the group consisting of 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-8-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinane; 8,8,10,10-tetramethyl-9-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)-1,5-dioxa-9-phosphaspiro[5.5]undecane; 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinan-4-ol; 8-(2′,6′-diisopropoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-8-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)-2,4,6-trioxa-8-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.1^(3,7)]decane; di-tert-butyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,4,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphine; di-tert-butyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphine; di-tert-butyl(2′-isopropoxy-1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)phosphine; 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,4,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-2-yl)phospholane; 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,4,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinane; 2,2,7,7-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,4,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphepane; 2,2,8,8-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,4,5,6-tetramethylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphocane; 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-8-phenyl-2,4,6-trioxa-8-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.1^(3,7)]decane; 8-(2′,6′-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; 6-methoxy-N,N-dimethyl-2′-(7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decan-8-yl)biphenyl-2-amine; 8-(2′-methoxy-1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; 8-(1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-8-(2-(naphthalen-1-yl)phenyl)-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; 7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-8-(2-(naphthalen-2-yl)phenyl)-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinan-4-one; 3,3,8,8,10,10-hexamethyl-9-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)-1,5-dioxa-9-phosphaspiro[5.5]undecane; 1-(2′-(dimethylamino)-6′-methoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(2′,6′-bis(dimethylamino)biphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(2′,6′-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(2′,6′-diisopropoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(2′-(dimethylamino)biphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(biphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(2′-methoxy-1,1′-binaphthyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(3,6-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(3,6-dimethoxy-2′,4′,6′-trimethylbiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-3,6-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinan-4-one; 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-4,5-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)phosphinan-4-one; 1-(3′,5′-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; 1-(4′-tert-butylbiphenyl-2-yl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylphosphinan-4-one; N²,N²,N⁶,N⁶-tetramethyl-2′-(7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decan-8-yl)biphenyl-2,6-diamine;N,N-dimethyl-2′-(7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decan-8-yl)biphenyl-2-amine; 8-(biphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; 8-(3,6-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane; and 8-(3,6-dimethoxy-2′,4′,6′-trimethylbiphenyl-2-yl)-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dioxa-8-phosphaspiro[4.5]decane.
 7. The process of claim 5, wherein said phosphine ligand has a structure corresponding to a structure of a formula selected from the group consisting of formulae (I-1)-(I-42),

or a salt thereof, wherein X is a phosphine of formula (Ia) or (Ib); V¹, V², V³, and V⁴ are each independently CR¹ or N; V⁵, V⁶, V⁷, V⁸ and V⁹ are each independently CR² or N; W¹, W², an W³ are each independently selected from the group consisting of CR¹, NR¹, N and O; W⁴ is C or N; W⁵ is C or N; W⁶, W⁷, W⁸ and W⁹ are each independently selected from the group consisting of CR², NR², N and O; and ring C, at each occurrence, is a fused-aryl or fused-heteroaryl and is optionally substituted with R¹ and R².
 8. The process of claim 5, wherein X is a phosphine having a structure corresponding to a formula selected from the group consisting of:

or a salt thereof, wherein R″ is selected from the group consisting of oxygen, NR²⁰, and C(R²⁰)₂; R²⁰ is hydrogen or alkyl; and n is 0, 1, or
 2. 9. The process of claim 5, wherein X is a phosphine having a structure corresponding to a formula selected from the group consisting of


10. The process of claim 3, wherein the transition metal catalyst precursor is a palladium catalyst precursor.
 11. The process of claim 10, wherein the palladium catalyst precursor is selected from the group consisting of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0), dichlorobis(tri-o-tolylphosphine)palladium(II), palladium(II)acetate, [1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]dichloropalladium(II), tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0), dichloro(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(II), dichlorotris(cyclohexylphosphine) palladium(II), dichlorobis(triphenyl-phosphine) palladium(II), chloro(η3-allyl)palladium(II)dimer-triphenylphosphine, palladium(II)chloride, palladium(II)bromide, and bis(acetonitrile)dichloropalladium(II).
 12. The process of any one of claims 1-11, wherein compound (5) is sulfonamidated in the presence of a base.
 13. The process of claim 12, wherein the base is selected from the group consisting of potassium phosphate tribasic, cesium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium tert-butoxide, potassium tert-butoxide, lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide, and lithium diisopropylamide.
 14. The process of any one of claims 1-13, wherein compound (5) is sulfonamidated in the presence of solvent.
 15. The process of claim 14, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofuran, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N-methyl-pyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,4-dioxane, acetonitrile, cyclopentyl methyl ether, toluene, benzene, tert-amyl alcohol, and tert-butyl alcohol.
 16. The process of any one of claims 1-15, wherein compound (5) is prepared by sulfonylating 1-(3-tert-butyl-5-(6-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (compound 4).

wherein X¹ is selected from the group consisting of chlorine and fluorine; and R^(1a) is selected from the group consisting of p-tolyl, phenyl, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, perfluorobutyl, perfluoropentyl, perfluorohexyl, perfluorooctyl, and isomers and homologs thereof.
 17. The process of claim 16, wherein the sulfonyl compound is perfluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride.
 18. The process of any one of claims 1-17, wherein R^(1a) is perfluorobutyl.
 19. The process of claim 18, wherein compound (5) is prepared by reacting 1-(3-tert-butyl-5-(6-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (compound 4) with perfluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride:


20. The process of claim 19, wherein compound (4) and perfluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride are reacted in the presence of base.
 21. The process of any one of claims 19 and 20, wherein compound (4) and perfluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride are reacted in the presence of solvent.
 22. The process of any one of claims 19-21, wherein compound (4) is prepared by a process comprising coupling compound (1) with compound (3):

wherein X² of compound (1) is selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and iodine; and Y¹ of compound (3) is selected from the group consisting of boronic acid, borate ester, and borate salt.
 23. The process of claim 22, wherein compound (1) is 1-(3-tert-butyl-5-iodo-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (compound (1c)).
 24. The process of claim 22, wherein compound (3) is 6-hydroxynaphthalen-2-ylboronic acid (compound (3a)).
 25. The process of claim 22, wherein compound (1) and (3) are coupled using a transition metal catalyst precursor and ligand.
 26. The process of claim 25, wherein the ligand is a phosphine.
 27. The process of claim 25, wherein the phosphine ligand is selected from the group consisting of tri-t-butylphosphine, tricylcohexylphosphine, tris(2-furyl)phosphine, 2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl, 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-8-phenyl-2,4,6-trioxa-8-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.1^(3,7)]decane, biphenyl-2-yldicyclohexylphosphine, dicyclohexyl(2′,6′-dimethoxybiphenyl-2-yl)phosphine, and dicyclohexyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphine.
 28. The process claim 25, wherein the transition metal catalyst precursor is a palladium catalyst precursor.
 29. The process of claim 28, wherein the palladium catalyst precursor is selected from the group consisting of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0), dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II), tris(dibenzylidineacetone)dipalladium, palladium(II)diacetate, dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium, and [1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]dichloropalladium(II) complex with dichloromethane.
 30. The process of any one of claims 22-28, wherein compounds (1) and (3) are coupled in the presence of a base.
 31. The process of claim 30, wherein the base is selected from the group consisting of potassium phosphate tribasic, cesium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium tert-butoxide and cesium fluoride.
 32. The process of any one of claims 22-31, wherein compounds (1) and (3) are coupled in the presence of a solvent.
 33. The process of claim 32, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofuran, N,N-dimethylformamide, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,4-dioxane, ethanol, toluene, water and mixtures thereof.
 34. The process of claim 1, wherein compound (A) is converted to a corresponding salt, compound (As).
 35. The process of claim 34, wherein compound (A) is converted to compound (As) by treatment with a base.
 36. The process of claim 35, wherein the base is sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
 37. The process of claim 34, wherein compound (A) is converted to compound (As) in the presence of a solvent.
 38. The process of claim 37, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of dimethyl sulfoxide, 2-propanol, water and mixtures thereof.
 39. The process of claim 34, wherein compound (As) is a sodium salt.
 40. A compound or salt thereof prepared by the process of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the compound corresponds in structure to the following formula:


41. The salt according to claim 40, wherein the salt is sodium.
 42. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 40, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 43. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 42, which further comprises one, two, three, four, five or six agents selected from the group consisting of a second HCV polymerase inhibitor, an HCV protease inhibitor, interferon, ribavirin, and an anti-HIV agent.
 44. A method of treating a disease treatable by inhibiting HCV RNA polymerase comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of claim
 41. 45. A method of inhibiting the replication of an HCV virus comprising contacting said virus with a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of claim
 41. 46. A method of treating or preventing an HCV infection comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of compound of claim
 41. 47. A compound or salt thereof, wherein the compound corresponds in structure to formula (5a):


48. The compound of claim 47, wherein the compound is prepared by the process of any one of claims 19-21.
 49. A compound or salt thereof prepared by the process of any one of claims 22-33, wherein the compound corresponds in structure to the following formula: 